Catholic bishops have updated their pandemic guidance for churches following the statement by prime minister Boris Johnson that confirmed the nation’s move to “Plan B” in light of the rapid spread of the new omicron variant of Covid-19.
“People displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 should stay at home and not travel to church or participate in person,” the bishops state.
The bishops have relaxed their rigorous church cleaning rules.
“There is now very strong evidence to support that the main mode of this variant’s viral transmission is through aerosols, and that the risk from surface and touch transmission is very small indeed. As such, the strict regimes of church cleaning that were recommended at the beginning of the opening of churches for public worship are no longer necessary. General church cleaning is sufficient.”
And they strongly urge compliance with the government’s vaccination programme, stating that “a positive message encouraging people to get vaccinated and have booster jab when able” is delivered whenever possible.
The government in its latest pandemic restrictions has required face coverings be worn by law in most indoor settings, that office workers who can work from home should do so and that from this Wednesday, some venues and events will be required to ask for proof of vaccination, negative test or exemption.
In the statement, signed by bishops' conference general secretary Canon Christopher Thomas, the bishops say:
“The requirements for NHS Covid passes will not apply to places of worship and the acts of worship associated with them. However, any social gatherings linked to events in churches will need to comply with new requirements but only when 500 or more people are involved.”
They note that although face coverings have become mandatory in places of worship, exemptions are permitted for those leading worship, public proclamation of scriptural readings or prayers and those who are unable to wear face coverings and are exempt.
As regards singing, congregations should continue to wear face coverings but the government guidance states: “There is a reasonable excuse for someone to remove a face covering when it is reasonably necessary for them to sing, for example, if they are singing as part of a choir, or during a service, rehearsal or for a performance.”
The bishops of England and Wales have also clarified their recent statement on the Sunday obligation, emphasising there is “no sin” in not going to church on Sunday should “grave cause” exist in their personal circumstances that prevents them.
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