On 5 August, the Church of England issued the following interim advice on the use of face covering during services in the form of two updated FAQs: Who needs to wear a face covering during services? in Prayer and Worship section; and Who needs to wear a face covering during weddings? in Life Events section. The Church notes:
“These updates reflect our understanding of guidance currently being prepared by government; we are grateful to have been part of that process. We will update our detailed guidance documents once the government has published the revised regulations and guidance.”
This guidance is reproduced in full below, and a revised post will be published once the guidance has been finalized [emboldening in original].
Update
Further interim guidance, issued by the Church on 7 August, is summarized in our weekly update New COVID-19 legislation and guidance: to 8 August. Although the new legislation and explanatory memorandum have been issued, the final version of the Church’s guidance is dependent upon an update of the MHCLG document COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship during the pandemic, which was last updated on 4 August.
Who needs to wear a face covering during services?
We understand that the Government intends to issue the following guidance in the coming days, subject to final approval:
In England, face coverings are currently required by law to be worn in shops, supermarkets, indoor transport hubs, indoor shopping centres, banks, building societies, post offices and on public transport.
From 8 August, face coverings are also required by law to be worn in a greater number of public indoor settings including places of worship, museums, galleries, cinemas and public libraries.
There are valid exemptions for some individuals and groups not to wear a face covering in these settings. In particular, those who are leading services or events in a place of worship, and those who assist them (for instance by reading, preaching, or leading prayer) do not always need to wear a face covering, although one should be worn especially if physical distancing cannot be maintained (i.e. distributing consumables). This exemption does not apply to worshippers, who should wear face coverings consistent with the requirements for any other public space.
We will update our detailed guidance documents once the government has published the revised regulations and guidance.
Who needs to wear a face covering during weddings?
We understand that the Government intends to issue the following guidance in the coming days, subject to final approval:
In England, face coverings are currently required by law to be worn in shops, supermarkets, indoor transport hubs, indoor shopping centres, banks, building societies, post offices and on public transport. From 8 August, face coverings are also required by law to be worn in a greater number of public indoor settings including places of worship, registry offices, museums, galleries, cinemas and public libraries.
There are valid exemptions for some individuals and groups to not wear a face covering in these settings. In particular, those who are leading services or events in a place of worship. Those exemptions will also cover the bride and groom at a wedding and those officiating/leading the wedding. This exemption does not apply to those observing the wedding, who should wear face coverings consistent with the requirements for any other public space.
We will update our detailed guidance documents once the government has published the revised regulations and guidance.
Comment
Face covering during services was reviewed in our posts Regulations on face covering: Advice from Church of England, (23 July), and Face-coverings in places of worship: update, (31 July). The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020 SI 791 define “face covering” as meaning “a covering of any type which covers a person’s nose and mouth”. The accompanying Explanatory Memorandum notes that the guidance Face coverings: when to wear one and how to make your own (updated 31 July) includes “the latest information on what constitutes a face covering”. The Guidance states [emphasis added]:
“In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, a face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth. You can buy reusable or single-use face coverings. You may also use a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering but these must securely fit round the side of the face.”
This would appear to preclude visors/face-shields.
The Diocese of Oxford recommends having a box of disposable masks (widely available) to offer as people enter church as hospitality, and notes “you are not required to prevent people entering church if they are not wearing a mask. They may have a valid reason under government guidelines which means they do not have to”.
Post last updated 05:41, 8th August.
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From a Bride marrying on the 15th when I told her she did not need to wear a mask “Whooo hoo. Thank you for making my Wednesday. “
We will make the occasion as safe as we possibly can
Thanks for passing that on. At least some of the coronavirus news has been well-received. DavidP
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