Social Distancing

Depending on the data closer to the time, the Government intends to reduce social distancing indoors to 1m on 19^th July and abolish it on 9^th August. Obviously these are big steps for getting our churches back to normal, and hopefully we can begin planning for altering our seating arrangements to accommodate more people. Remember though not to actually do it until these dates are confirmed closer to the times.

Weddings

From Monday 28^th June the person (such as the father of the bride) accompanying either of the couple down the aisle does not need to wear a face covering whilst doing so (remember that the couple do not need to wear face coverings at weddings). Although its not entirely clear, this does seem to apply to only one person for each spouse, and so the bridesmaids, page boys, etc. would still need to wear face coverings (unless otherwise exempt).

Funerals

From Monday 28^th June, families can once again carry coffins into/out of church and lower coffins into the grave, if the funeral directors and/or burial staff are content for that to happen and if you are content that it is safe. Everyone carrying the coffin must wear a face covering (unless exempt) and be encouraged to sanitise hands before and after doing so.

Positive Tests

We’ve had a couple of parishes in touch recently about positive tests in the congregation. If you get a positive test in a parish, and you’re happy that the rules have all been followed, then you do not need to do anything other than supply the track-and-trace list to the NHS if requested. If you realise that the rules have not been followed then obviously be honest about this with the NHS and follow any instructions – but let’s not get ourselves into that situation! Keep being careful and hopefully by August things will be returning to normal.