This post includes:

• List of the posts on L&RUK which have reported the advice and updates on COVID-19 coronavirus;
• Weekly updates of developments;
• Copies of advice and other documents from the Church of England;
• Copies of advice and other documents from other churches and faith organizations;
• Legislation and guidance and local lockdown restrictions.
• Information from other relevant bodies.

All the material on the earlier Coronavirus updates – index was transferred to this post on 20 August 2020 at 18:04, to which further updates will now be added.

This page was last updated on Friday 5 March at 18:54.

List of the posts on L&RUK

February 2021

• COVID-19: easing the lockdown in England & Scotland, 23 February 2021.
• Law and religion round-up – 28 February. COVID-19: easing the lockdown in England & Scotland Reopening churches in Scotland; Review of coronavirus legislation; The EU Council, COVID-19 and human rights; An illegal religious gathering in Nottingham?
• COVID-19: easing the lockdown in England & Scotland, 23 February 2021.
• Law and religion round-up – 21 February, COVID-19 and closure of churches in Scotland, Noli me tangere.
• Law and religion round-up – 21 February, COVID-19 and closure of churches in Scotland, Noli me tangere.
• Law and religion round-up – 14th February. St Valentine and COVID-19; Closure of churches in Scotland.
• Law and religion round-up – 7 February. Marking 2M page views.

January 2021

• Law and religion round-up – 24 January. Closing places of worship in Scotland; Opening places of worship in Scotland; Church of England services in Lent, Holy Week and Easter: 2021; Guernsey in lockdown; General Synod Meetings 2021, House of Bishops Meeting.
• COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship. Updated version of guidance from MHCLG.
• Law and religion round-up – 10 January. Suspending public worship: – England; – Northern Ireland; and – Scotland. Continuing Public Worship – Wales.
• Suspending public worship – Northern Ireland, 7 January 2021.
• Suspending public worship – England. 7 January 2021.
• Bishop of London: new COVID-19 restrictions. Bishop Sarah’s response, plus extracts from government guidance. 4 January 2021.
• COVID-19: places of worship to close in mainland Scotland. 4 January 2021.
• Law and religion round-up – 3rd January. Places of worship during lockdown

December

• Law and religion round-up – 27 December with a link to the 1256 pages of COM(2020) 857 final, a.k.a. “ANNEX to the Recommendation for a Council Decision approving the conclusion, by the European Commission, of the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland..
• Wales: Christmas guidance on COVID-19 precautions. (24 December 2020).
• Scotland: Christmas guidance on COVID-19 precautions. (22 December 2020).
• Stop press: changes to Christmas arrangements for Northern Ireland  (21 December 2020).
• Law and religion round-up – 20 December. Don’t they know it’s  COVID? (20 December 2020).
• COVID-19: Tier 4 and other restrictions announced. Links to Prime Minister’s Press Conference; Professor Chris Whitty’s statement about the new strain of Covid-19; DHSC new Guidance Tier 4: Stay at Home; and more specific guidance for the four tiers. (19 December 2020).
• Law and religion round-up – 13 December. COVID-19 vaccines and the church; Churches as vaccination centres; COVID-19 and self-isolation, and; Christmas ringing in England.
• Welsh Government: guidance on singing over the Christmas period. The Welsh Government has published guidance, infra, on carol-singing and traditions such as plygain traditional Welsh carols and calennig and Mari Lwyd at the New Year. (10 December 2020).
• Churches as vaccination centres. New CofE guidance, as below. (8 December 2020).
• Law and religion round-up – 6 December. COVID-19 and judicial review; APPG Coronavirus.

November

• COVID-19: revised Regulations for Wales At 6 pm Friday 4 December, revised Regulations (as yet unpublished) will come into force in Wales. (3 December 2020).
• COVID-19: New Church of England guidance. Details of new guidance from the Church. (3 December 2020).
• COVID-19: Communal worship from 2 December. The Diocese of Oxford has circulated a comprehensive update on the latest position in relation to COVID-19, which we reproduced, with permission, (1 December 2020).
• New COVID-19 legislation and guidance to 5 December, (first posted 29 November). An early start to our weekly rolling update of legislation and guidance on coronavirus COVID-19, including links to the government’s mid-night issue of “Guidance for the Christmas Period”, and the Church of England’s statement “Outdoor congregational carol singing permitted in all tiers”, containing several useful links.
• Law and religion round-up – 29 November. COVID-19 and Christmas in England…in Scotland…and Northern Ireland.
• Cabinet Office statement on “Christmas bubbles”, 24 November 2020.
• Welsh Government: updated guidance on COVID-19, 23 November 2020.
• UK Government’s COVID-19 Winter Plan for England, 23 November 2020.
• Law and religion round-up – 22 November. COVID-19: challenging the lockdown; Santa’s clauses are coming to town.
• Law and religion round-up – 15 November. COVID-19: Welsh Government guidance.
• COVID-19: Northern Ireland Executive agrees two-week “circuit breaker” lockdown. The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to introduce a two-week circuit breaker to slow the spread of COVID-19. The new restrictions will run for two weeks from 27 November until 11 December.
• Law and religion round-up – 8th November, Guidance, legislation, and how not to do it; Lockdown and places of worship; Reopening of places of worship in Wales; Charity Commission: updated guidance on COVID-19; Charity meetings in Wales, General Synod (Remote Meetings) Measure 2020; Church of England and Archbishops’ websites
• Worship, funerals and weddings under the Second English Lockdown, 5 November. Guest post by Russell Sandberg.
• Services and Events on Remembrance Sunday in England, 4 November 2020.
• Communal worship and Remembrance Day in England: stop press, 2 November 2020.
• Communal Worship – Remembrance Day, England, Guidance from MHCLG, 2 November 2020.
• Law and religion round-up – 1st November National Restrictions from 5 November; Weddings, civil partnerships, religious services and funerals; EHRC; General Assembly of the Church of Scotland; ELS Virtual Conference – The Solemnization of Matrimony: past, present and future, 1 November.

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October

• 201031 – England lockdown – 5 November to 2 December
• 201031 – Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 31 October 2020
• 201026 – New COVID-19 legislation and guidance to 31 October. 
• 201025 – Law and religion round-up – 25 October. Three new regional categories for COVID-19 restrictions in England; Coronavirus circuit break: Wales, and clergy challenge; COVID-19 and the wedding industry; Bellringing; Postponement of General Synod elections
• 201023 – Coronavirus Firebreak Lockdown – Church in Wales Guidance
• 201021 – Coronavirus circuit break: Wales. Updated, 23 October.
• 201021 – L&RUK: Catch-up from 23 September
• 201012 – Advice on local outbreaks: Church of England, Two new FAQs issued, 12 October at 10:37.
• 201011 – Law and religion round-up – 11th October. COVID-19: marriages and civil partnerships in England, COVID-19: increased restrictions in Ireland. 
• 201010 – New COVID-19 legislation and guidance to 10 October
• 201004 – Law and religion round-up – 4 October. Humanist wedding ceremonies and COVID-19; Church of Scotland: virtual General Assembly; Methodist Church: updated COVID-19 guidance.
• 201004 – New COVID-19 legislation and guidance to 3 October.

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September

• 200927 – Law and religion round-up – 27 September. QR codes for “NHS Test and Trace”; Virtual sittings of C of E General Synod.
• 200923 – QR codes for “Test and Trace” in churches, summary of legislation and revised Church of England advice.
• 200920 – Law and religion round-up – 20 September. “Rule of Six”; COVID-19 in Ireland.
• 200918 – Choirs and the “rule of six” – new advice. Updated FAQ “How does the ‘rule of six’ apply to choirs?” and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice on the Conduct of Public Worship, v2.4.
• 200917 – COVID-19: Church of England and RSCM updates, Guidance on “the rule of six”.
• 200914 – High Holy Day services and gatherings: COVID-19 checklist. Government guidance for Jewish congregations in England.
• 200913 – Law and religion round-up – 13 September. New social distancing rules; Coronavirus and the Curtailment of Religious Liberty: A Global Review.
• 200909 – Church of England: Places of worship and new restrictions, 9 September, Statement by Bishop Sarah. [re-issue of original post]
• 200909 – Worship unaffected by new restrictions in England, 9 September. Confirmatory tweet from Archbishop of Canterbury.
• 200906 – Law and religion round-up – 6th September. Individual cups for Holy Communion; Aerosol and droplet generation.
• 200904 –  Aerosol and droplet generation from singing &c. Review by SAGE of international evidence base and two research trials (PERFORM and SOBADRA) commissioned to investigate droplet and aerosol production in performance events.

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August 

• 200830 – Law and religion round-up – 30th August, COVID-19 and: bellringing; singing; full immersion baptism; L&RUK coverage; employees targeted by COVID-19 legislation; fake COVID-19 protection kits.
• 200827 – Welsh Government guidance for reopening community centres.
• 200827 – Classification and rationalization of churches in Sodor and Man, 27 August. Impact of lockdown on S&M Diocese finance.
• 200826 – Funerals and weddings in Northern Ireland, changes in SR 2020/187.
• 200824 – Aerosols and droplets in church – breathing, speaking, shouting and singing.
• 200823 – Law and religion round-up – 23rd August, COVID-19 and religious services in Scotland; revision of L&RUK pages on coronavirus legislation and guidance; developments on singing in church and PERFORM port; special session of General Synod on virtual sessions.
• 200817 – COVID-19 – Further changes to Church of England guidance, update of guidance “particularly in light of changes to advice on choirs singing during services”.
• 200816 – Law and Religion round-up, 16 August
• 200813 – Coronavirus-related legislation: Cytûn’s briefing for churches in Wales, briefing by The Revd Gethin Rhys, Policy Officer of Cytûn/Churches together in Wales.
• 200810 – COVID-19 – Changes to Church of England guidance finalized, twelve items of guidance updated.
• 200809 – Law and religion round-up – 9th August, Wearing face coverings from  8 August, in England and Scotland; Church of England General Synod.
• 200805 – Face covering during weddings and other services Interim guidance from the Church of England.
• 200804 – COVID-19: further (separate) guidance for England and for Wales,
• 200802 – Law and religion round-up – 2nd August, local lockdowns on several areas of Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire, including Blackburn and Bradford.

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July

• 200731 – Face-coverings in places of worship: update. Face coverings mandatory in places of worship from 8 August, and withdrawal of guidance which permitted indoor professional performances, with immediate effect.
• 200731 – Coronavirus COVID:19 – NW England restrictions, changes to rules on gatherings in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire after increase in COVID-19 cases.
• 200727 – Coronavirus and ecclesiastical law – I, the legislation and regulations in relation to time constraints imposed by ecclesiastical provisions.
• 200727 – Government COVID-19 guidance for England: special religious services and gatherings checklist update to COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic which deals specifically with special religious services and gatherings
• 200726 – Law and religion round-up – 26th July, Face-covering in England, Face-covering in places of worship, Blackburn with Darwen, and Luton, Matt (Hancock) 6:3,  Faith school admissions.
• 200723 – Regulations on face covering: Advice from Church of England, new regulations excluding places of worship, and strong recommendation from House of Bishops Recovery Group.
• 200919 – Law and religion round-up – 19th July. Local lockdowns in England; Singing in churches and cathedrals; Church of England: face-covering.
• 200717 – Singing in churches and cathedrals, an update on an earlier post following the recent tranche of guidance and advice.
• 200714 – Scotland: Government guidance on safe reopening of places of worship. Opening of places of worship in Scotland for  additional permitted purposes from 15 July.
• 200714 – Relaxation of coronavirus legislation in Wales from 13 July: initial guidance for churches.
• 200713 – Law and religion round-up – 12th July, Easing of lockdown in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland; financial sustainability of places of worship; COVID-19 and the Church of England; Singing;  Church Commissioners £1M support for cathedral choirs.
• 200710 – Marriages and civil partnerships in Wales, Analysis of new guidance.
• 200707 – The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020: revised post. Analysis of Regulation 5. Revised version of post first published on 200705.
• 200707 – Northern Ireland: Executive statement on indoor weddings and baptisms. Resumption of baptisms and indoor marriage ceremonies from Friday, 10 July.
• 200705 – The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020, Analysis of Regulation 5.
• 200705 – Law and religion round-up – 5th July, Government guidance on the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities,  Singing in churches and cathedrals, and Early medical abortion and COVID-19: an update.

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June

• 200629 – COVID-19: Safe use of places of worship in England from 4 July, Summary of government guidance.
• 200628 – Law and religion round-up – 28th June, Opening of places of worship for services, Petertide ordinations, music in churches.
• 200624 – House of Bishops Statement on Government COVID-19, guidance, clarification of numbers for worship & weddings; canon law issues doctrine of necessity.
• 200626 – Reopening of places of worship in England on 4 July: a clarification. Uncertainty and clarification of numbers for worship & weddings.
• 200624 – Delayed marriages in England and Wales, impact of lockdown on reading of Banns and qualifying connections.
• 200623 – Restricted church services in England from 4 July, relaxation on weddings and services in England.
• 200621 – Breaking news: COVID-19: marriage and civil partnerships in Wales, relaxation on marriage and civil partnerships.
• 200621 – Law and religion round-up – 21st June, places of worship opening for private prayer in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; Marriage, visas and COVID-19.
• 200616 – COVID-19: update on reopening places of worship in England.
• 200616 – COVID-19: update on reopening places of worship in Wales.
• 200616 – COVID-19: Personal Risk Factors for Clergy, Church Workers and Volunteers.
• 200614 – Law and religion round-up – 14th June, Registration of Births in England and Wales; and Premier pressures prelates on private prayer; organists’ practice.
• 200612 – Guidance on supervised individual prayer, as below. Section 4 of new guidance.
• 200612 – Breaking news: COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship in England, new government guidance.
• 200611 – Private prayer update – yet another change. CofE response to government change of date for private prayer to 13 June.
• 200609 – Outdoor weddings in Northern Ireland. Permitted in NI, subject to conditions, from 7 June
• 200607 – Law and religion round-up, 7th June. Opening of churches in England, COVID-19 and caveats, face coverings on public transport.
• 200606 – COVID-19: further guidance from the Church of England. New FAQs and documents, and updated on the CofE coronavirus web pages.
• 200605 – Music, musicians, and the congregation. Part II of our review Churches during relaxation of lockdown. 
• 200601 – COVID-19: latest guidance from the Church of England – updated: Updated guidance on schools and nurseries.

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May

• 200531 – Law and religion round-up – 31st May: Legal challenges to lockdown; Churches during relaxation of lockdown; Church halls and nursery provision; Relaxation of lockdown in England; Latest guidance from the Church of England; Licensing drive-in movies and church services.
• 200529 – A sage appraisal of COVID-19: Information published on 26 May on the scientific work which has been considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
• 200528 – COVID-19: latest guidance from the Church of England, new section, Schools and Nurseries, update on delivery of printed communications.
• 200527 – New CofE guidance: fabric and building maintenance, update of post of 22 May, infra.
• 200526 – Evidence of environmental dispersion of COVID-19, report of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies.
• 200526 – Research on transmission of COVID-19, report compiled by the Environmental and Modelling Group for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies .
• 200522 – New technical advice papers, set of papers circulated by Oxford Diocese on technical aspects of the current restrictions affecting buildings. [Updated by post of 27 May, supra].
• 200521 – Postponement of C of E General Synod elections, change to Coronavirus Act 2020 following Privy Council meeting.
• 200520 – Guidance on construction work in churches, new FAQ and guidance from CofE.
• 200515 – Taskforce on reopening places of worship, report of first meeting of task force.
• 200514 – Caring for places of worship during coronavirus (COVID-19), information from HRBA, see below.
• 200513 – Reopening of places of worship in England: breaking news, announcement of five new ministerial-led taskforces to develop plans for how and when closed sectors can reopen safely in England.
• 200511 – Towards opening churches in July, Statement from Church of England, new government guidance.
• 200507 – Access to church buildings during lockdown, Advice from Archbishops’ Council, Cathedral and Church Buildings Division, following House of Bishops’ Statement on 5 May.
• 200505 – Bishops back phased approach to church access, how the Church of England might proceed once the current restrictions for COVID-19 are relaxed or lifted.
• 200505 – Law changes for next General Synod meetings, cancellation of York Synod, amendment of GS Constitution and Standing Orders, postponement of GS elections.

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April

• 200430 – Church guidance: live streaming and copyright], New CofE FAQ – What is the guidance on live streaming and copyright?
• 200424 – Welsh Government: Coronavirus update. Review of Welsh Government guidance following update on 24 April.
• 200422 – Correction to errors in coronavirus Regulations. Corrections to SI 2020/350 made through SI 2020/447, effective 11:00 am.
• 200420 – Coronavirus COVID-19: Further marriage law update. Faculty Office update on church weddings; emergency weddings; and qualifying connections.
• 200419 – Law and religion round-up – 19th April. L&RUK and Coronavirus – COVID-19; Coronavirus-COVID 19: legislation and guidance; Cremations and funerals.
• 200419 – PHE guidance: managing a funeral. PHE guidance on attendance of bereaved families at funerals during the pandemic
• 200418 – Coronavirus Act 2020 – Statutory guidance for local authorities. Guidance issued under statute on new powers for local authorities to support resilience of local death management systems and to step in if they become overwhelmed.
• 200415 – Cremation under coronavirus restrictions. Overview or legislation and regulations on cremation.
• 200412 – Law and religion round-up – 12th April. Human rights and COVID-19; Diocesan guidance on funeral ministry.
• 200403 – Church building maintenance during lockdown – Update. Update of Church of England Advice issued on 27 March q.v..
• 200403 – Church in Wales: Covid 19 – Guidance on Vestry & PCC meetings. Statement on holding vestry and PCC meetings.
• 200403 – New PHE advice for safe funerals. Early advices issued by PHE, updated on 19 April, supra.

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March

• 200330 – Faculty petitions under the coronavirus restrictions. A summary of the issues involved during the various stages of the faculty process, and links to relevant authorities with regard to the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus crisis.
• 200329 – Law and religion round-up – 29th March. A post which, unsurprisingly, is (on word count) 86% on the coronavirus issues of law and religion, including: Coronavirus Act 2020 and Regulations, E,W,S; closure of all Church of England buildings; attendance at funerals; church building maintenance; PPC Meetings.
• 200328 – Church building maintenance during lockdown. Summary of the Church of England document Securing and caring for your church buildings during the Covid-19 pandemic: advice for incumbents, churchwardens and PCC members.
• 200324 – Coronavirus COVID-19: Closure of all Church of England buildings. Confirming the closure of all buildings with immediate effect, including for the use of private prayer, in an effort to help limit the transmission of coronavirus COVID-19.
• 200323 – Coronavirus: Archbishops’ and Bishops’ Statement The Prime Minister’s announcement of sweeping restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the virus was echoed in the Church of England statement which said inter alia: “all Church of England churches will close with immediate effect in line with the Government’s instructions. There will also be no weddings or baptisms”. New FAQs are in preparation.
• 200323 – Coronavirus COVID-19: Marriage Law Update. Legal advice published by the Faculty Office.
• 200322 – ‘Virtual’ PCC meetings and other Coronavirus-related issues. Further to our post “Coronavirus – election of PCC and churchwardens”, David Lamming has written a guest post on the issues raised.
• 200322 – Law and religion round-up – 22nd March. Coronavirus latest news from government ad churches; Live-streaming of church services; and Coronavirus and data protection.
• 200321 – Coronavirus – election of PCC and churchwardens. Legislative measure that has been introduced by the Diocese of Oxford. Instrument was distributed by Church House to all Registrars in template form. Useful additional comments.
• 200320 – More coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance. Links to the recently revised CofE FAQs on: live streaming; weddings; baptisms; funerals; and key workers (see below). Also advice from: Church in Ireland, Roman Catholic Church EW, Isle of Man state of emergency law, and government advice on key workers and revised procedures for DBS checks.
• 200320 – Coronavirus: further guidance from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. Clarification on the meaning of “public worship”.
• 200319 – Coronavirus: updated guidance on weddings and baptisms from CofE. Also link to new guidance on live streaming of services.
• 200318 – Streaming church services: an (updated) guide to copyright and religion – revised with the additional advice from the RSCM on live streaming. Further updated 200323 with revised information from RSCM on CCLI streaming licence provisions.
• 200318 – Churches in Northern Ireland: Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance
• A series of important updates on issues related to the cessation of church services was posted on 17th March
  • 200317 – Church in Wales: Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance. Pastoral Declaration of the Bench of Bishops of the Church in Wales – COVID-19.
  • 200317 – Church of England: Coronavirus – cessation of church services. Links to Church of England’s Press Notice, the Archbishops’’ letter, and reference in the former to reliance on the canon law doctrine of necessity regarding the public services required by the Canons.
  • 200317 – Streaming church services: an (updated) guide to copyright and religion. Guidance on copyright and religion.
  • 200317 – Scottish Episcopal Church: Coronavirus – cessation of church services. Announcement from the College of Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
  • 200317 – Coronavirus latest: Government asks religious groups to cease meeting. On 16 March, responding to a question on “what actually constitutes a large gathering of people” in the context of religious communities—churches, mosques, gurdwaras”, the Health Secretary indicated that religious services should be suspended during the coronavirus outbreak, [Commons Hansard c724].
• 200315 – Law and religion round-up – 15th March. Beards, paramedics and coronavirus; A common approach to the Common Cup in Anglican Provinces in the UK & Ireland…; Further advice from the Dioceses; Lambeth Conference and coronavirus; and A religion, law and coronavirus website.
• 200312 – Coronavirus (COVID-19): more guidance from Church of England and government. Extracts from the information published on 12 March 2020 by the Church of England (at 12:50 and 15:17)
• 200310 – Church of England coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for churches: updated. Church of England’s update of its coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for churches.
• 200308 – Law and religion round-up – 8th March. Coronavirus (COVID-19): “the KISS of Peace?”; Coronavirus (COVID-19): other information; Sacrament Act 1547 and other legislation.
• 200305 – Church of England updates Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance – 5 March. Updated guidance including: withdrawal of the Common Cup; Member of congregation with COVID-19: Information for clergy.
• 200303 – Church issues new Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance. New Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance, comprising an updated Guidance for churches which includes a comprehensive set of Frequently Asked Questions, and resources and information on accessing Christian services digitally for those who cannot get to church. Advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19) afforded a higher priority, featuring on Home Page.

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February

• 200229 – Coronavirus: contingency planning and legislation. Diocese of London Guidance note in the event of Pandemic Virus; “Much of the current advice from the Church of England is based upon the premise that there is no immediate risk or need for action, but suggests that it is as well to be prepared for what might happen”.
• 200223 – Law and religion round-up – 23rd February. Legal status of national and diocesan requirements. The advice falls within the ordinary jurisdiction of the Bishop, and the exact details vary between dioceses. Those in the Peterborough Ad Clerum are amongst the most comprehensive and most prescriptive, but nevertheless contain a mix of mandatory and permissive language. “The Church of England advice was last updated on 20 February”.
• 200214 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) – latest news. “Still nothing much to do with law – or at least, only marginally so – but…”, Hmm
• 200201 – Diocese of London advice on coronavirus – updated. Diocese of London Guidance note in the event of Pandemic Virus from the  Archdeacon of London, principally about the risks of infection arising from the administration of Holy Communion.

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Weekly updates

See also L&RUK weekly round-ups in list of the posts, supra. 

• Sunday 28 February to Saturday 6 March. On-going.
• 21 February to 27 February. COVID-19: easing the lockdown in England & Scotland Reopening churches in Scotland; Review of coronavirus legislation; The EU Council, COVID-19 and human rights; An illegal religious gathering in Nottingham?
• 14 February to 20 February. COVID-19 and closure of churches in Scotland, Noli me tangere.
• 7 February to 13 February. St Valentine and COVID-19; Closure of churches in Scotland
• 31 January to 6 February 2021. Changes to NI legislation.
• 24 January to 30 January. COVID-19 legislation; Closure of churches in Scotland – déjà-vu.
• 17 January to 23 January. Closing places of worship in Scotland; Opening places of worship in Scotland; Church of England services in Lent, Holy Week and Easter: 2021; Guernsey in lockdown; General Synod Meetings 2021, House of Bishops Meeting.
• 10 January to 16 January. Safe use of places of worship; Church of England – updated guidance on COVID-19.
• 3 January to 9 January. Suspending public worship: – England; – Northern Ireland; and – Scotland. Continuing Public Worship – Wales.
• 27 December to 2 January, Places of worship during lockdown.
• 20 December to 26 December, legislation and guidance from UK countries re: tier 4 restrictions.
• 13 December to 19 December, Don’t they know it’s  COVID?
• 6 December to 12 December, COVID-19 vaccines and the church; Churches as vaccination centres; COVID-19 and self-isolation, and; Christmas ringing in England.
• 29 November to 5 December, COVID-19 and judicial review; APPG Coronavirus.
• 22 November to 28 November, COVID-19 and Christmas in England…in Scotland…and Northern Ireland.
• 15 November to 21 November, COVID-19: challenging the lockdown
• 8 November to 14 November, Welsh Government guidance
• 1 November to 7 November, Reopening of places of worship in Wales; Charity Commission: updated guidance on COVID-19; Charity meetings in Wales, General Synod (Remote Meetings) Measure 2020; Church of England and Archbishops’ web, sites.
• 25 October to 31 October, announcement of England lock-down.
• 18 October to 24 October. Updated CofE for “three-tier” restrictions; Wales “circuit break” introduction.
• 11 October to 17 October. Initial comment on “three-tier” restrictions.
• 4 October to 10 October – COVID-19: increased restrictions in Ireland.
• 27 September to 3 October – 4 October to 10 October – Humanist wedding ceremonies and COVID-19; Church of Scotland: virtual General Assembly.
• 20 September to 26 September – QR codes for “NHS Test and Trace”; Virtual sittings of C of E General Synod.
• 13 September to 19 September – “Rule of Six”; COVID-19 in Ireland.
• 6 September to 12 September– New social distancing rules; Coronavirus and the Curtailment of Religious Liberty: A Global Review.
• 30 August to 5 September – Individual cups for Holy Communion; Aerosol and droplet generation.
• 23 August to 29 August – COVID-19 and: bellringing; singing; full immersion baptism; L&RUK coverage; employees targeted by COVID-19 legislation; fake COVID-19 protection kits.
• 16 August to 22 August – COVID-19 and religious services in Scotland; revision of L&RUK pages on coronavirus legislation and guidance; developments on singing in church and PERFORM port; special session of General Synod on virtual sessions.
• 9 August to 15 August– Church of Scotland and COVID-19; Wedding and civil partnership receptions in England; Individual cups for Holy Communion; Singing in churches; Pipe organs in Wales.
• 2 August to 8 August – Wearing face coverings from  8 August, in England and Scotland; Church of England General Synod.
• 26 July to 1 August – local lockdowns on several areas of Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire, including Blackburn and Bradford.

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Church of England

• Advice and guidance
• Documents

Advice and guidance. 

The Church’s website has produced a number of FAQs which are available at Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for churches . The FAQs are under the following headings, which are subject to change according to circumstances.  :

• General,  Current issues, [5]
• Prayer and worship [8]
• Life events [3]
• Community Support [5]
• Fabric and building access [7]
• Schools, nurseries and youth provision [1]
• Finance and governance [2]
• Safety, safeguarding and wellbeing [6]

These FAQs do not have unique URLs and some scrolling in therefore necessary. However, there is an internal link to “FAQs” and a “Version log” which lists updates made to the page from Wednesday 27 May at 10:40, with the most recent listed first. 

• Last updated: Friday 05 March, 15.15

Update: Thursday 04 March, 12.15

New FAQ:

• What are the stages of the Government Roadmap? This refers to the document below and states: “We will provide more advice about how this will affect worship and other church activities as we receive information from government. These pages will be reviewed and updated as the changes come into effect.”

New Document:

• • Four step government roadmap. Based upon the Government’s Reopening Roadmap, published on 22 February 2021 [incorrect date on graphics].

Updated: Monday 22 February, 17.35

• Following the Prime Minister’s statement to the Commons outlining the Government’s spring response, The Bishop of London has responded. The advice on this page will be reviewed and updated as changes come into effect.

Updated: Thursday 19 January, 10:11

• COVID-19 Advice for Services during Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, V1. (19 January 2021). This advice should be read alongside the guidance for Using Church Buildings for Public Worship and Individual Prayer and Advice on the Conduct of Public Worship found here.

Updated documents: Thursday 14 January  2021, 11:52

• COVID-19: Risk Assessment Template for Outdoor Worship, V2. This template has been created based on guidance from the Health and Safety Executive and is intended for use from 13 December 2021 for worship taking place outside. A separate risk assessment template is available for all indoor activities.
• COVID-19: Risk Assessment Template for Opening Church Buildings to the Public, V8. This update has been reviewed in the light of new guidance from the Health and Safety Executive and is intended for use from 13 January 2021. Risk assessments carried out using an earlier template may still be valid but should be reviewed regularly and checked against this latest version of the risk assessment.  (13 January 2021).

Updated: Tuesday 12 January, 17:44

Updated documents:

• COVID-19 Advice on the Conduct of Public Worship, V2.8. Update. On the 5th January a new national lockdown came into effect. Note the change to the singing and music guidance in particular (18). Additional guidance has been added about providing lifts to those travelling to worship and with seating arrangements for those with mobility impairments (8 and 21). (12 January 2021).
• COVID-19 Advice on Individual Prayer by Members of the public in Church Buildings, V 6.1. Updates from version 6: This document has been reviewed following the announcement of the new national lockdown on the 4th January. (12 January 2021).
• COVID-19 Advice on the Administration of Holy Communion, V5.3. Updates from version 5.2: the document has been reviewed following the announcement of a new national lockdown on the 4th January, but has not been changed. (12 January 2021).
• COVID-19 Advice for Clergy Conducting Baptisms, V4.6. Updates from version 4.5: This guidance has been reviewed following the Government announcement of a new national lockdown on the 4th January. (12 January 2021).
• COVID-19 Advice for Conducting Funerals, V5.6, Updated concerning wakes and the burial of ashes to reflect the changes in the guidance. (12 January 2021).
• COVID-19 Advice on Ordinations and Consecrations, V4.5. Revised to take account of the new restrictions. (12 January 2021).
• COVID-19 Advice for the conduct of Confirmation services, V4.5. Reviewed following the announcement by the Government of a new national lockdown on the 4th January.(12 January 2021).
• COVID-19 Outdoor Worship and Churchyards V5.1. Revised to reflect the changes in the lockdown guidance. (12 January 2021).
• COVID-19: Opening cathedral and church buildings to the public, V6. Reviewed and edited to bring the advice in line with Government guidance.(12 January 2021).
• COVID-19 Advice on pastoral support in the community, including care homes, V2.1. Reviewed in the light of the new national lockdown announced on the 4th January. (12 January 2021).
• COVID-19 Receiving Holy Communion in both kinds by simultaneous administration, V1.2. Update from version 1.1: the document has been reviewed following the announcement of a new national lockdown on the 4th January, but has not been changed. (12 January 2021).
• Guidance for PCCs, incumbents and cathedral Chapters: opening church buildings for works to the building and interior. Guidance for PCCs, incumbents and cathedral Chapters: opening church buildings for works to the building and interior. (12 January 2021).
• COVID-19 Personal Risk Factors for Clergy, Church Workers and Volunteers risk factors to clergy, church workers and volunteers, V2.1. Reviewed in the light of the new national lockdown announced on the 4th January. (8 January 2021).

Udated:Tuesday 12 January, 10.01

Updated/New FAQ:

• Is singing permitted? (in Prayer and worship) – further update in light of amended Government Guidance. [Note: Government guidance was amended twice on 11 January 2021].

Monday 11 January, 14.50

• Updated/New FAQ:
  • Is singing permitted?  – further update in light of amended Government Guidance (in Prayer and worship)
  • Should I work if I’m clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV)? (in Safety, safeguarding & wellbeing)

Last updated: Friday 8 January at 11:49

Updated documents:

COVID-19 Permitted Activities under national lockdown rules, V3.1. 7 January 2021.

Updated/New FAQ:

• • Can we host children’s group? [Under Community support]
  • Can weddings go ahead? [Under Life Events].

Updated: Wednesday 6 January at 16:20 Updated documents:

• COVID-19 Permitted Activities under national lockdown rules, v3
• COVID-19 Suspending public worship: some legal questions and
  answers, v3

Updated/New FAQ:

• What is permitted during lockdown? [Under FAQs].
• What do we need to do if we have decided to suspend public worship? [Under FAQs].
• Can churches be used as vaccination centres? [Under FAQs].
• Can funerals go ahead? [Under Life Events].
• Can weddings go ahead? [Under Life Events].

Read a response from the Bishop of London to the Prime Minister’s statement outlining new restrictions in England. The advice on this page will be reviewed in the coming days in line with Government guidance. We have streamlined the advice on this page, and will continue to review advice documents in light of Government guidance.

Updated Tuesday 22 December at 16:59

Read updated Government guidance:

• COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship
• COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships

Updated FAQs:

• Can carol singing or carol services take place this Christmas? in the Singing, Carol Services & key Christmas considerations section
• What is permitted in my tier? in the Singing, Carol Services & key Christmas considerations section
• Who can attend church as part of a Christmas bubble (25 December) in the Singing, Carol Services & key Christmas considerations section
• Can weddings and funerals go ahead? in the Life Events section

Monday 21 December at 16:02

Following the announcement by the Prime Minister on Saturday a new Tier 4 level of restrictions is now in place. The latest Government guidance is here and specific guidance for those in Tier 4 areas is here. We await further updated guidance for Places of Worship and will share it here when available.

New Advice for clinically extremely vulnerable in new Tier 4 areas has been published.

Read a Church of England response to updated coronavirus guidance in response to the Prime Minister’s statement about Christmas arrangements, as updated Sunday 20 December at 12:42].

Updated documents:

• COVID-19 Permitted Activities under the Tier System, v2.3.1. Sets out how the 4 Tier System of alert impacts on the main activities related to churches.

Diocese of Oxford

• e-news 11 February and information posted on 3 February 2021 on 2021 Annual Parochial Church Meetings. Bishop Steven has signed an instrument which extends to 31 July the period that APCMs can be held this year, with the option of them being held either physically (as restrictions allow) or online.
• Coronavirus latest (and something to smile about). (22 December 2020).

Wednesday 09 December at 17:54.

Following the publication of the government’s COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship from 2 December, (updated 1 December 2020), the following updates have been made:

New Documents

• COVID-19: opening cathedral and church buildings to the public, v.5. Updates from version 4: References to the tier system; Updated links to all government and Church of England guidance. (9 December 2020).
• COVID-19 Vaccines update December 2020, v.1, a “short briefing note [which] addresses some questions that are likely to emerge”. Whilst most useful in a pastoral context, it does address the questions of: “Will we able to stop wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing etc?” [Answer, ‘No’]; and “Should parishes offer their church buildings or church halls as vaccination centres?” [Answer, ‘While some church properties might be suitable, many will not’]. (8 December 2020).
• COVID-19 Churches as vaccination centres, v1, Sets out some of the logistical issues that churches might consider when deciding if their buildings could be appropriate centres. See our post, supra. (8 December 2020).

Updated Documents

• COVID-19 Advice on the Administration of Holy Communion, v5.2, Updates from version 5.1: section 5 has been updated to reflect the new guidance on receiving Holy Communion in both kinds by “simultaneous administration (i.e. “intinction lite”). Surprisingly, there is no reference to gluten intolerance, highlighted in earlier guidance. (8 December 2020).
• COVID-19 Advice on Ordinations and Consecrations, v4.4. section 22 has been updated to reflect the new guidance on receiving Holy Communion in both kinds by simultaneous administration, supra. (8 December 2020).
• COVID-19 Restarting public worship: some legal questions and answers, v2. Updates from Version 1: Generally the document has been revised to refer to re-opening from 2nd December after the second lockdown period; the presumption is now that churches will open where possible as we have gained experience in how to make buildings ‘Covid-safe’. (8 December 2020).
• COVID-19 Personal Risk Factors for Clergy, Church Workers and Volunteers, v2. This document was reviewed on the 4th December 2020 without significant changes being made. (8 December 2020).
• COVID-19 Permitted Activities under the 3 Tier System, v2.1. Updates on version 2: An additional section has been added to explain about home groups or other meetings in private dwellings under the 3 tier system.
• COVID-19 NHS Test & Trace Data, v4.0. This document was reviewed on the 4th December 2020 without significant changes being made. (8 December 2020).
• COVID-19 Livestreaming Worship, v1.1. Document checked and updated: – Text streamlined;- Link included at the end of this document to regularly updated page on the Church of England website. This is now the key point of reference for this topic area. (8 December 2020).
• COVID-19 Advice on Individual Prayer by Members of the public in Church Buildings, v6. Updates from version 5: A new question 11 has been added to refer to arrangements for Test & Trace. (8 December 2020).
• COVID-19 Advice on Face Coverings V3.1. Update from version 3: an additional link and paragraph in point 4 has been added to highlight the use of cards and badges for exemptions from wearing face masks. (8 December 2020).
• COVID-19 Advice for Conducting Funerals, v5.5. Updates from version 5.4: Updated Government funeral advice was published on the 24th November and these guidance notes have been updated concerning wakes and the burial of ashes. (8 December 2020).
• COVID-19 Advice for the conduct of Confirmation services, v4.4. Update from version 4.3: on the 2nd December the Government re-introduced the three-tier system of restrictions. Additional guidance on congregational singing has also been issued permitting singing outside and section 4 has been updated to reflect this. (8 December 2020).
• COVID-19 Advice for clergy conducting weddings, v5.6. Updates from version 5.5: the Government introduced updated guidance on weddings following the end of the second period of lockdown restrictions on 2nd December. There has been minor changes to language used for clarity and point 5 has been updated to reflect congregational singing is now permitted outside.  (8 December 2020).
• COVID-19 Advice for Clergy Conducting Baptisms, v 4.5, Updates from version 4.4: the Government has introduced updated guidance for places of worship from the 2nd December and this document has been updated to reflect this, notably the last point in section 4 to mention that congregational singing outside is now possible. (8 December 2020).
• COVID-19 Advice on pastoral support in the community, including care homes, v2.0. This document was reviewed on the 4th December 2020 without significant changes being made.

On Monday 09 November at 13:17, the church issued this Important notification:

• Q&A which are not applicable during second lockdown have been removed
• All documents have been left live for reference, but please note that advice contained within may not be relevant during lockdown. We have marked individual documents which contain guidance which is not relevant during lockdown (as “(non-current)” against the link to the document).

FAQs were updated on Thursday 12 November at 16:29.

Sunday 29 November. New FAQs added following the publication of  the Government’s Guidance for the Christmas Period:

• Can carol singing or carol services take place this Christmas?
• Are nativity plays possible in church?

Also, a Statement from the Bishop of London, with reference to government Guidance in the early hours of Sunday; the addition of a special tag to A Church Near You for each church to list services and events taking place outdoors; Church of England Covid-19 advice for churches and Government guidance on carols and nativity plays.

Tuesday 01 December at 12:22

The Government has published its Places of Worship guidance including rules applicable from 2 December. We are reviewing our advice in light of this and will update our Q&A and documentation as soon as possible.

Ad Clerum, Holy Communion letter and guidance from the Archbishops to All Clergy, incorporating COVID-19 Receiving Holy Communion in both kinds by simultaneous administration, v 1.1 from The House of Bishops Recovery Group. (1 December).

Wednesday 2 December  at 18:45§

Following the publication of the Government’s guidance for Places of Worship, the following updates have been made, which are described in more detail here:

New/updated Q&A

• Can carol singing or carol services take place this Christmas?
• What is permitted in my tier?
• Who can attend church as part of a Christmas Bubble?
• Can churches hold services of worship?
• What guidance is available for Holy Communion?
• Can weddings and funerals go ahead?

New Documents:

• Advice on Christmas bubbles, v1.
• Risk assessment Template for Outdoor Worship, v.1.
• COVID-19 Receiving Holy Communion in both kinds by simultaneous administration, v1.1.

Updated Documents:

• COVID-19 Advice on the Conduct of Public Worship, v 2.7.
• Keeping church buildings clean, v3.
• COVID-19 Outdoor Worship and Churchyards, v5.0.
• Risk Assessment Template for Opening Church Buildings to the Public, v7.
• COVID-19 Permitted Activities under the 3 Tier System, v.2.

Diocese of Oxford

• e-news 11 February and information posted on 3 February 2021 on 2021 Annual Parochial Church Meetings. Bishop Steven has signed an instrument which extends to 31 July the period that APCMs can be held this year, with the option of them being held either physically (as restrictions allow) or online.

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Documents

Documents issued by the Church of England are available at Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for churches. The dates below relate to the date on the document, not the date on which it was released, which may be a couple of days later. Where the document is an updated version of an earlier one, only the current version is listed below. Documents issued by dioceses &c are marked ‡. Other documents are marked §.

• 30 November: Coronavirus (COVID-19) latest.  Diocese of Oxford. A comprehensive and timely update. This is reproduced in a post, supra, with permission‡.
• Monday 23 November Following the publication of the Government’s Covid-19 Winter Plan, including permission for the resumption of public worship, we are awaiting the publication of detailed guidance after which we will update our advice. There is an additional statement from the Bishop of London. 
• General Synod debate on the response to the covid-19 pandemic (GS 2192) at the end of which motion passed by 401 votes to 4 with 8 recorded abstentions.
• COVID-19 Livestreaming Worship, v.1, 6 November.
• Risk Assessment Template for Opening Church Buildings to the Public During Lockdown, v6, updated 4 November. This update has been reviewed in the light of new guidance from the Health and Safety Executive and is intended for use during the period of national lockdown from 5^th November. Risk assessments carried out using an earlier template may still be valid but should be reviewed regularly.
• A letter to clergy from Archbishops Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell and the Bishop of London, Following the announcement of a second national lockdown, this Ad Clerum has been sent to clergy from the Archbishops and Bishop Sarah Mullally.
• Archbishops join interfaith call to PM to allow public worship, 3 October 2020.
• Letter to the Prime Minister from faith leaders, 3 October 2020.
• A letter to clergy from Archbishops Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell and the Bishop of London, Following the announcement of a second national lockdown, this Ad Clerum has been sent to clergy from the Archbishops and Bishop Sarah Mullally, 1 November
• COVID-19 Advice for clergy conducting weddings, v5.5, 16 October 2020. Government introduced new legislation on 14 October relating to permitted activities under the 3 Tier COVID alert system. This has introduced a legal limit for those who gather for a wedding of 15 persons. On 15 October Government guidance was published that stated “anyone working is not included as part of the limit on those attending”. The guidance also states “It is strongly advised that only essential aspects of the ceremonies take place at this time”. We currently understand that working means those whose presence is reasonably necessary for the event to take place and Question 1 has been changed.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice on Ordinations and Consecrations, v 4.3, 16 October 2020. On 28 September the Government introduced new legislation which means Ordinations are the same as public worship in determining the attendance limit. In addition, as of the 14 October the Government has introduced a three tier system of COVID risk areas, where different restrictions apply. Points 3 and 4 have been updated to reflect these points.
• COVID-19 Advice on Conducting Public Worship, v2.6, 16 October 2020. As of the 14th October the Government has introduced a three tier system of COVID risk areas. In all tiers Places of Worship can remain open and public worship can continue. However, in tiers 2 and 3 (high and very high risk areas) the ‘rule of six’ does not apply. In these areas individuals, households and support bubbles can attend worship but must not mingle with others and physical distancing should be maintained. The salient points and section 5 have been updated to account for this.
• COVID-19 Advice on Conducting Funerals, v5.4, 16 October 2020. Government has introduced new legislation that permits people who are symptomatic or who have tested positive for COVID-19 to attend funerals. However, they are strongly advised not to because of the risk they pose to others. Question 4 has been updated in this respect. It ought to also be noted that practice and behaviour at a funeral should be as if there were someone present with the virus in any case.
• COVID-19 Advice for the Conduct of a Confirmation Service, v 4.3, 16 October 2020. On 28 September the Government introduced new legislation which means confirmations are the same as public worship in determining the attendance limit. In addition, as of the 14th October the Government has introduced a three tier system of COVID risk areas, where different restrictions apply. Section 2 has been updated.
• COVID-19 Advice for Clergy Conducting Baptisms v4.4, 16 October. On 28 September the Government introduced new legislation which means baptisms, both as part of public worship and free standing, can go ahead assessing the attendance limit as with normal public worship. In addition, as of 14 October the Government has introduced a three tier system of COVID risk areas, where different restrictions apply. Section 2 has been updated to reflect these changes.
• COVID-19 Church Heating, v1. This guidance has been prepared to support churches as we move to colder weather. Just don’t prop open fire doors, updated 1 October 2020.
• COVID 19 Mission and Ministry with Children, Young People & Families in a Church Setting, v2. Update from version 1.1: This document has been thoroughly revised with the help of The Diocesan Children and Youth Advisers Network and reflects the updated Government guidance since the 21^st July, updated 30 September 2020. .
• COVID-19 Outdoor Worship and Churchyards, v4. Update from version 3.2: on the 14th September the Government introduced ‘the rule of six’ limiting gatherings of people with some exemptions. Following discussions with the Government, section 1 has been updated to include this, updated 24 September 2020.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice on Ordinations and Consecrations, v4.2, Updates from version 4.1: on the 14th September the Government introduced ‘the rule of six’ limiting gatherings of people with some exemptions. Following discussions with the Government, points 3 and 5 have been updated. 25 September.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice on the Conduct of Public Worship, v2.5, Update on version 2.4: on the 28th September the Government changed the rules around life event services so that marriages are limited to 15 attendees, funerals 30 and all other life event services are subject to the rule of six. Following discussions with the Government, the salient points and section 5 have been updated, 25 September.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice for the conduct of Confirmation services, v4.2, 25 September 2020. Update from version 4.1: on the 14th September the Government introduced ‘the rule of six’ limiting gatherings of people with some exemptions. Following discussions with the Government, Section 2and section 4 have been updated.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Opening cathedral and church buildings to the public advice, v 4. 23 September 2020. Update from version 3: • New section (p.2) to reflect the new ‘rule of six’; New section (p.8) on music and performances to reflect the government advice on live indoor performances issued on 15 August; New question 22 on heating and Covid risk; Updated question 31 on Test & Trace.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice on Fresh Expressions of Church, v 1, 24 September 2020. Fresh Expressions are so varied and different in what they do, where they meet and how they work it is impossible to create guidelines that fit every context. This document is not intended to lay out what to do: rather to point to relevant guidance from the government, for making own risk assessment.
• Guidelines for a Parish Continuity Plan during COVID-19, v 2, 24 September. This guidance has been produced so that each parish/benefice/mission community or alternative can prepare or update its continuity plan in preparedness for further possible developments in the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular local outbreaks or a ‘second wave’.
• COVID-19 NHS Test & Trace Data, v4, 23 September. Updates from version 2: The text has been updated to reflect the change in legal status which makes collecting data mandatory in some circumstances, and to give information on the Test & Trace app.
• Update of Annual Parochial Church Meetings and Annual Meetings of Parishioners, Diocese of Oxford, 17 September 2020
• General Synod 24 September 2020. All relevant information, documents and papers for the Special Session of General Synod on 24 September 2020.
• Direction from the president of tribunals: Covid-19: Until further notice, documents may be delivered or sent by means of email or PDF/Word document attached to an email. Extensions to time limits will be considered on an individual basis.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) banners and posters (undated) Posters and signs are provided free of charge for churches to use in and around their buildings. With thanks to the Church of Scotland for sharing their templates.
• COVID-19 Advice on pastoral support in the community, including care homes, v2, The House of Bishops Recovery Group, updated, (17 August).
• The legality of the use of individual cups for communion wine, Legal Opinion Stephen Hofmeyr QC & ors, (12 August) § .
• COVID-19 Advice on Face Coverings, v3, The House of Bishops Recovery Group, updated, (7 August).
• COVID-19 Advice on Individual Prayer by Members of the public in Church Buildings, v5 , The House of Bishops Recovery Group, updated (7 August).
• COVID-19: opening cathedral and church buildings to the public, 
• COVID-19 Personal Risk Factors for Clergy, Church Workers and Volunteers, v2, (Updated 30 July), The House of Bishops Recovery Group
• Letter from the Archbishops – Special Session of General Synod on 24 September 2020, (22 July).
• COVID 19 Mission and Ministry with Children, Young People & Families in a Church Setting, v1.1, (21 July)
• Safer Churches – Helping public places to reopen safely, new document, (undated, announced 23 July).
• COVID-19 NHS Test & Trace Data, v2, (17 July).
• Pastoral Encounters During COVID-19,The House of Bishops Recovery Group, v1, (14 July).
• COVID-19 NHS Test & Trace Data v1,The House of Bishops Recovery Group, (10 July). To be read alongside the advice from Government on collecting data for NHS Test & Trace and for places of worship.
• Test and Trace consent form template document, (10 July).
• Test and Trace online privacy notice template document, (10 July).
• Test and Trace privacy notice template document, (10 July).
• Risk Assessment for Opening Church Buildings to the Public, v4.1, The House of Bishops Recovery Group, (1 July)
• Holy Communion and the distribution of the elements, (July).
• COVID-19 Restarting public worship: some legal questions and answers, The House of Bishops Recovery Group, (30 June).
• Risk assessment template for contractors and construction workers, (New 17 June)..
• Music in our churches and cathedrals, Press Release, no new information,(13 June).
• Guidance for PCCs, incumbents and cathedral Chapters: opening church buildings for works to the building and interior, combines previous Access to church buildings for building maintenance and Church and cathedral building access for construction work into a single guidance document. HoB Recovery Group, (updated 8 June).
• Guidance on permissions for temporary works in churches and cathedrals, new document, (8 June).
• Marking our Communities 1: Opening the Doors: re-entering our church buildings, Liturgical Commission, (3 June).
• Marking our Communities 2: Prayers of Lament, Thanksgiving and Restoration, Liturgical Commission, (3 June)
• Marking our Communities 3: When we meet again: remembering and memorials, Liturgical Commission, (3 June).
• Briefing Note, UK government financial measures, NCIs, (1 June).
• Generic Risk Assessment for Returning to Area Offices, Oxford Diocese, (2 June).‡
• Risk Assessment for Returning to Church House Oxford,  Oxford Diocese, (2 June).‡
• Church House Oxford reopening statement, Oxford Diocese, (2 June).
• Keeping church buildings clean, v1, (Updated, 17 June)
• Towards Re-opening Church Buildings: Covid-19 Risk Assessment Checklist for Parish Churches, v1, (22 May)
• 14 May: Coronavirus (COVID-19) latest, Oxford Diocese, (14 May) ‡.
• Statement on latest Government guidance on coronavirus, (11 May).
• Advice for Clergy on Re-entering Closed Church Buildings, (9 May)
• House of Bishops backs phased approach to revising access to church buildings, (5 May)
• General Synod officers examining possibility of ‘virtual’ meetings amid coronavirus challenge, (5 May)
• Funeral Arrangements, Guidance for Clergy and Funeral Directors, Diocese of Oxford, (22 April)‡
• Parish HR – The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Furloughing employees during the Coronavirus months, (v1 27th March 2020) Diocese of Oxford: (updated 09 June 2020)‡ 
• Closure of churches is ‘guidance, not instruction’ – Archbishop, Christian Today (13 April)‡
• A guidance note on churches’ community action during COVID-19, Revd Dr Brendan McCarthy (14 April)
• Establishing a Worshiping Qualifying Connection for Marriage: Coronavirus (Covid 19) Oxford Diocese (9 April 2020)‡
• Emergency Marriages in hospice, hospital or at Home (England and Wales), Faculty Office, (9 April 2020)‡
• Wellbeing of clergy and lay ministers during the coronavirus pandemic, (2 April)
• How is the Church of England adapting plans for Holy Week and into Easter to meet the challenges of coronavirus? new blog, (1 April)‡
• New advice on celebrating Holy Week and Easter in dioceses (1 April)
• COVID-19: Scientific and Medical Background Briefing Paper (31 March) 2020, Rt Revd Dr Michael Beasley, Revd Prof Gina Radford and Revd Dr Brendan McCarthy. Circulated to the Bishops on 31 March and reproduced by Oxford Diocese, with permission‡ .
• Parish treasurers email Oxford Diocese, A note on income, parish share and practical steps for PCCs to take (30 March)‡
• Marriage Law News: Faculty Office, updated 29 June 2020 to in include Marriage in Church after 4th July 2020‡.
• Emergency Marriage Arrangements (COVID19), Contact Form, Faculty Office‡.
• Guidance on mental health and wellbeing and Coronavirus, undated, (URL, 12 March)
• Guidance on Spiritual Communion and Coronavirus, undated (URL, March).
• Safeguarding and COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), National Safeguarding Team, (17 April). 
• Instrument of Statute to allow changes to the current Church Representation Rules, Oxford Diocese‡
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) financial guidance for churches, Parish Resources‡
• Coronavirus & Parish Meetings, Parish Resources‡
• Clergy funeral and bereavement resources including Funerals during the COVID-19 Outbreak Notes for Clergy, (27 March); See also Funeral at a Crematorium, Funeral at the Graveside, and A simple reflection at home on the day of a funeral you can’t attend. “These are being reviewed and updated in light of  the House of Bishops meeting of 9 June.”
• Local continuity plans, parish/benefice template, Oxford Diocese‡
• Local continuity plans, deanery template, Oxford Diocese‡

Association of English Cathedrals (AEC) 

• Cathedral Closures Update: An update of cathedral closures January 2021.

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Other churches and faith organizations

This section is being populated with advice and guidance from churches other than the Church of England.

Church of Scotland

There is a wide range of advice from the Church of Scotland:

• Guidance for congregations with employees. Updated 27 October.
• COVID-19 (Coronavirus) advice, (updated 14 August)
• Covid – 19 Guidance reopening church buildings V1 June 2020
• Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Reopening of Church Buildings Checklist
• CoS Church buildings Covid19 Risk Assessment V1

Scottish Episcopal Church

• Emerging from Lockdown: Phase 2 Guidance
• Pro forma Phase 2 Plan for Vestries
• Pastoral Guidelines for Phase 2
• Coronavirus updates and resources (updated 5 June 2020),(5 June).
• Face Coverings Mandated for Places for Worship,  August 7.

Churches in Wales

• COVID-19 Advice for Services during Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, V1. Issued by the Bench of Bishops of the Church in Wales, Version 1 26 January 2021 (Alert Level Four). “The guidelines…are based on the advice issued by the Church of England’s COVID-19 Recovery Group, supra, with amendment to the particular context in which the Church in Wales operates”.
• Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance: Guidance from the Bench of Bishops, (9 November 2020).
• Covid 19 Guidance Amber Phase: (9 November 2020). This is the main guidance document on how to open churches safely.
• Covid 19 Guidance Marriages and Funerals, (9 November 2020).
• Guidance on Celebrating Holy Communion, (9 November 2020).
• Guidance on Conducting Baptisms, (9 November 2020).
• Guidance on Music and the Playing of Organs, (9 November 2020).
• Guidance on re-opening of church halls, (9 November 2020).
• Guidance on re-opening for visitors, (9 November 2020).
• Guidance for Places of Worship, Church in Wales, (23 October).
• Further Pastoral Guidance from the Bench of Bishops, (13 July).
• Guidance to local authorities and places of worship on marriages and civil partnerships: coronavirus, (7 July), Welsh Government.
• COVID-19, Guidance for the care and use of church buildings, v3, (16 June).
• Coronavirus related Legislation: Briefing for churches in Wales, Cytûn, Churches Together in Wales, (18 June).
• Coronavirus-related legislation: Cytûn’s briefing for churches in Wales, briefing by The Revd Gethin Rhys, Policy Officer of Cytûn/Churches together in Wales, cross-posted with permission on latest changes to legislation, (13 August).
• Local restrictions in Caerphilly CBC from September 8 2020, coronavirus-related legislation: Briefing for churches in Wales, Cytûn, 8 September.
• COVID 19 – Briefing Paper – Eglwysi Ynghyd yng Nghymru | Churches Together in Wales (cytun.co.uk)

Northern Ireland

• Statement from the Church of Ireland Bishops in Northern Ireland in relation to Public Worship, 7 January 2020. Suspension of public worship.

• Government Guidance (2 and 3 December 2020)
  • Coronavirus legislation and guidance on the law
  • Coronavirus regulations: frequently asked questions

Roman Catholic EW

• Update on COVID-19 and Vaccination “…At present, debate concerns the use of the vaccines developed by Pfizer & BioNTech, Moderna, and AstraZeneca. Some have questioned the use of the Astra Zeneca vaccine since it has been developed from cell-lines originating from the cells of an aborted foetus in 1983. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Pontifical Academy of Life have expressed the view that one may in good conscience and for a grave reason receive a vaccine sourced in this way, provided that there is a sufficient moral distance between the present administration of the vaccine and the original wrongful action. In the COVID-19 pandemic, we judge that this grave reason exists and that one does not sin by receiving the vaccine”. (3 December 2020).§
• Statement from the President and the Vice-President of the Conference on the Prime Minister’s Statement which questions the banning of communal worship and asks the Government to produce the evidence that justifies its decision, 31 October 2020.
• Guidance for Funerals , (15 June).
• Guidance on Re-opening of Catholic Churches for Individual Prayer, Roman Catholic Church, England and Wales, (10 June).
• Archbishops’ Letter on Resumption of Collective Worship, (25 June).
• Bishops clarify the Catholic position on vaccination, Catholic Church in England and Wales:(30 July)
• Statement from the President and the Vice-President of the Conference on the Prime Minister’s Statement which questions the banning of communal worship and asks the Government to produce the evidence that justifies its decision, 31 October 2020.

Methodist Church

On 30 September, the Methodist Church issued an update of its Coronavirus Guidance for Property. Other guidance includes:

• Guide for Weddings
• Guide for Open Air Worship
• Guide for Church Meetings, Small Gatherings & House Groups 
• Guide for Pastoral Visits
• Guide for Face Coverings.

Baptist Church

• Essential advice for churches, (updated 20 December 2020). Churches may once again open for worship following the end of the firebreak in Wales and the lockdown in England.
  • Guidance on church worship  (updated 20 December 2020)
  • Coronavirus advice:  Children’s, youth and families ministry (updated 20 December 2020)
  • Guidance on re-opening Baptist church buildings (updated 20 December 2020)
  • Advice for ministers – pastoral visiting (updated 20 December 2020)
  • Guideline Leaflet L18: Covid-19 Coronavirus Legal Issues (updated 16 December 2020)
  • Update for churches as employers: New furlough scheme rules and removal of retention bonus (4 December 2020).

Other churches

• A pastoral statement on the proposed suspension of public worship from 5 November, Society of St Wilfrid and St Hilda, 2 November 2020.
• The Muslim Council of Britain calls for an urgent review of new lockdown restrictions on places of worship, Muslim Council of Britain, 1 November 2020
• Coronavirus – essential advice for churches, Baptist Union of Great Britain, (updated 27 July)
• Holy Trinity’s Response to COVID-19, Holy Trinity, Brussels, (June)
• Church of Ireland Return to In-Church Worship Protocols for ROI and NI, House of Bishops & the Representative Church Body, (4 June).
• Preparing to worship together in our buildings, Presbyterian Church of Wales, The General Assembly Board:(6 August).

Muslim Council of Britain

• MCB Urges Mosques to Re-Assess Safety Measures If They Choose to Remain Open. (4 January 2020)

Health Protection Surveillance Centre (Ireland)

• Guidance for Religious Settings This notes that all HPSC guidance should be read and interpreted in conjunction with the Government’s Framework of Restrictions. This includes:

• • COVID-19 Guidance for Religious Services, V2.2 4.12.2020.
  • Religious Services during the Holiday Season, V1.0. 4/12/2020
  • Guidance on non-healthcare building ventilation during COVID-19, V1.2 15.10.2020. 

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Legislation and guidance

Legislation relating to coronavirus, some of which is listed below, is available at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/coronavirus. This includes the three principal relevant primary legislative instruments, and links to secondary legislation and legislation originating in the EU containing “coronavirus” in the title. There are links to pages listing the legislation that has been changed by this primary and secondary coronavirus-related legislation. Additionally, this web page also provides links to the guidance on coronavirus in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

As at 31 August 2020, in addition to the three items of primary legislation, there were 345 items of secondary legislation relating to various aspects of coronavirus in the United Kingdom, and 45 legislative measures originating in the EU: one Directive, 32 Regulations and 14 Decisions. Only links to those SIs of most relevance to law and religion are reproduced below. Although local lockdown provisions are included since they concern marriage and funeral services, instruments concerning international travel are not.

• Legislation
• Local lockdown restrictions
• Guidance

Legislation

• Coronavirus Act 2020
• Coronavirus Act 2020: status table, (as at 7 May 2020)
• Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020
• Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984

Secondary Legislation – England

• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place and Restrictions: All Tiers) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, SI 2021/247 and Explanatory Memorandum. These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/791) to make provision in relation to the wearing of face coverings in polling stations. These Regulations also amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1374) to permit outdoor recreation, gatherings related to electoral activities, to introduce a requirement to declare the reason for leaving or being outside the place where a person is living, when that person is travelling outside the United Kingdom, and to make other minor amendments.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (England) (Amendment) (No. 7) Regulations 2021, SI 2021/150. and Explanatory Memorandum. The SI was made & laid before Parliament on12 Feb; & comes into force at 4am on Mon, 15 Feb. This is subject to the negative procedure, and Parliamentary approval is therefore not required. [[Adam Wagner has produced a twitter thread explaining these regulations]
• Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, c45. Travellers who try to evade strict new quarantine rules by failing to declare they have visited a “red list” country may be charged under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. As such, parliamentary
• Hansard Society: Coronavirus Statutory Instruments Dashboard. The Dashboard highlights key facts and figures about the Statutory Instruments being produced using these powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 and other Acts of Parliament.(28 January 2021).
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers and Self-Isolation) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, SI 2021/97. Also Explanatory Memorandum. Comes into force at 5.00 p.m. on 29th January 2021. Regulation 4(4) amends regulation of the Self-Isolation Regulations, and sets out the power to use and disclose “relevant information”.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel)(England) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2021, SI 2021/49, and Explanatory Memorandum. These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/568 to remove all countries, territories, regions and islands from the list of exempt places in Schedule A1, from which passengers arriving in England are not required to self-isolate. From 4.00 a.m. on 18th January 2021, anyone arriving in England from outside the common travel area will be required to self-isolate (by regulation 4 of the International Travel Regulations) unless specifically exempt.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 3) and (All Tiers) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, SI 2021/8. These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 3) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/750 to clarify the powers of a police community support officer, and amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/1374 to strengthen the Tier 4 restrictions, and to apply those restrictions to every area in England. In addition, the expiry date for the Regulations is extended in each case.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020, Schedule 3A, Tier 4 restrictions. Consolidated version as at 6 January 2021. 
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1646. Made, 24th December 2020; Coming into force, 26th December 2020. These Regulations amend Schedule 4 to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All#Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020 so as to make changes to the areas that are subject to Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4 restrictions for the purposes of those Regulations. These Regulations also make minor correcting and other amendments to those Regulations together with consequential amendments to other legislation. There is also an Explanatory Memorandum.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Travel from South Africa)(England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1644. These Regulations prohibit the arrival in England of aircraft travelling directly from South Africa and amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/568.
• The Exercise of Commissioning Functions by the NHS Commissioning Board (Coronavirus) Directions 2020. Statutory Guidance, Directions given to the National Health Service Commissioning Board. These directions enable NHS England to commission healthcare from independent sector providers to support the provision of services by the NHS to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency. This power will last until 31 March 2021 (21 December 2020). The updated Directions are: The Exercise of Commissioning Functions by the National Health Service Commissioning Board (Coronavirus) (No. 3) Directions 2020. 
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1611. These regulations make changes to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers)(England) Regulations 2020. They create a further Tier of restrictions and place certain areas within that Tier. They also amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Obligations on Undertakings)(England) Regulations 2020 to clarify the obligations on certain undertakings.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1572. These Regulations make changes to the areas which are subject to the restrictions for Tier 2 and Tier 3, as defined in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Local Authority Enforcement Powers and Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1375. There is also an Explanatory Memorandum. Part 2 of these Regulations enable local authority designated officers to issue notices to people who are contravening or have contravened various statutory provisions in place to minimize exposure to Coronavirus. Part 3 of these Regulations make various amendments to existing Regulations made under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, and related savings provisions.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers)(England) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/1374. There is also an Explanatory Memorandum. These Regulations impose restrictions on gatherings and on businesses in England. Areas which are not specified in Schedule 4 are subject to the restrictions set out in Schedule 1. Areas specified in Part 1 of Schedule 4 (those areas in Tier 2) are subject to the restrictions set out in Schedule 2. Areas specified in Part 2 of Schedule 4 (those areas in Tier 3) are subject to the restrictions in Schedule 3. The restrictions on businesses include the imposition of restricted hours for certain businesses and closure of certain businesses. The need for the restrictions in these Regulations must be reviewed by the Secretary of State every 28 days.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1326. Amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4)Regulations 2020 to permit shops, stalls, Christmas tree farms and other businesses selling or supplying natural Christmas trees to open.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions)(England) (No. 4) (Amendment) Regulations, SI 2020/1242. Make amendments to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 to permit attendance at outside events commemorating Armistice Day.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2)(England) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/986. These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/684, so that people may not participate in social gatherings, in any place, in groups of more than 6, unless they are members of the same household, two linked households, or exceptions apply.
  In areas covered by the Coronavirus, Restrictions relating to: Blackburn with Darwen and Bradford; Leicester; North of England) Regulations 2020 and the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions); and Bolton, the change only applies in relation to social gatherings which take place otherwise than in private dwellings.

[Note: Changes introduced by SI 2020/684 have been consolidated into the Latest Available (Revised) version of the Principal Regulations, SI 2020/986, although the Original (As made) version is also accessible. 

• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2)(England) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/986, Explanatory Memorandum.  
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/684. The regulations SI 2020/684 revoke the previous regulations SI 2020/350 and the subsequent four sets of amending regulations SI 2020/447, SI 2020/500, SI 2020/558, and SI 2020/588. However, SI 2020/327) is not revoked and remains in force.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/719
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/788
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 3) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/750
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/863
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2)(England) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/986.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2)(England) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/986, Explanatory Memorandum. 
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Protected Areas and Linked Childcare Households) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1019. Amends the “protected areas” legislation in SI 2020/824, SI 2020/828, 2020/988, and SI 2020/1010; In these instruments and in SI 2020/974 also enable households to be “linked childcare households” for the purpose of providing informal childcare.

• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Business Closure) (England) Regulations 2020, Si 2020/327.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/791 and Explanatory Memorandum.  
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/839, and Explanatory Memorandum.
• Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/882. Regulations make changes to where members of the public are required to wear face coverings. [effective 22 August].
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place and on Public Transport) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/906.and Explanatory Memorandum.  Amend the fixed penalty notice provisions made in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings on Public Transport) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/592) raising the FPN to £100.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions on Holding of Gatherings and Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/907, and Explanatory Memorandum. Introduces a new offence specifically for holding or being involved in the holding of, unlawful gatherings of more than 30 people. The offence will be punishable on summary conviction with a fine. A higher Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £10,000 may be issued to a person aged 18 or over who is reasonably believed to have committed the offence.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place and on Public Transport) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/2021. Amend SI 2020/592 so that taxis and private hire vehicles are included in the modes of public transport to which the requirement to wear a face covering applies.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England)(No. 4) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1200. These Regulations impose restrictions on the occasions on which a person can leave or be outside of the place where they are living and on gatherings. They also require the closure of a number of businesses, and impose restrictions on businesses. The restrictions will cease to have effect 28 days from the date on which these Regulations are made.
• Explanatory Memorandum to The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England)(No. 4) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1200.

Local lockdown restrictions

• Local restrictions: areas with an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), [England]. DHSC, updated 9 September. Areas with local restrictions; Managing local outbreaks; News stories.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): local advice and measures, [Scotland].
• Local lockdown, Guidance and services, [Wales].
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): regulations and localised restrictions. [Northern Ireland]
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Leicester) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/824. Revokes SI 2020/685,  SI 2020/754, SI 2020/787, and SI 2020/823. and impose restrictions only in the “protected area” of the City of Leicester.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Leicester) (No. 2) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/875.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Blackburn with Darwen and Luton) Regulations 2020. Come into force on 25th July, and expire after 6 months.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Blackburn with Darwen and Bradford) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/822.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions on Gatherings) (North of England) Regulations 2020, Made, 9.00 a.m., 4th August 2020; Laid before Parliament at 12.30 p.m., 4th August 2020; and coming into force,  5th August 2020. An Explanatory Memorandum has also been published.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions on Gatherings) (North of England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/846, come into force, 8th August. Also Explanatory Memorandum.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions on Gatherings) (North of England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/865 
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Blackburn with Darwen and Bradford) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/898,
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (North of England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, SI2020/897. Removes Wigan and Rossendale from the North of England  “protected area”.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Greencore) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/921, and Explanatory Memorandum. The Regulations require persons who work at the specified premises  or have worked there within the specified period , and members of their households, to self-isolate for the period of up to 14 days from the date when the Regulations come into force, or for a shorter period in certain specified circumstances.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Blackburn with Darwen and Bradford) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/930. In force,12.00 p.m. on 2nd September 2020. Amends the definition of “protected area” in the Blackburn and Bradford Regulations so that it no longer includes the whole of the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (North of England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/931. In force,12.00 p.m. on 2nd September 2020. Further amend the definition of “protected area”, as defined in regulation 2 of the North of England Regulations and removes Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council and Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Blackburn with Darwen and Bradford) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/935. Amends the definition of “protected area” in regulation 1 of the Blackburn and Bradford Regulations so that Windhill and Wrose is removed from the protected area of the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Blackburn with Darwen and Bradford, Leicester, and North of England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/954.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Bolton) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/974. Imposes restrictions in relation to a defined geographical area or “protected area” of Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council. Review at least once every 14 days.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (North East of England) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/1010. Impose restricted opening hours on businesses selling goods or providing services in certain areas in North East England.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Obligations of Hospitality Undertakings) (England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1008. Require certain undertakings in the hospitality industry, to take measures to ensure that their customers follow the rules on social distancing.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Collection of Contact Details etc and Related Requirements) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1005. See DHSC guidance.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Medium) (England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1103.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (High) (England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1104.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Very High) (England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1105
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Medium, High and Very High) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1154. These Regulations subject a number of areas to the restrictions set out in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Very High) (England) Regulations 2020 (the “Very High Regulations”), and make corresponding amendments to remove those areas from the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (High) (England) Regulations 2020 (the “High” Regulations”), subject a number of areas to the restrictions set out in the High Regulations and impose closures on additional businesses in the areas concerned. They also make minor amendments to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Medium) (England) Regulations 2020, the High Regulations and the Very High Regulations.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation and Linked Households) (England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1518. These regulations provide that where an individual has been notified of a requirement to self-isolate, the period of self-isolation is 10 days instead of 14, as calculated under regulation 3 of the SI 2020/1045. (In force, 14 December 2020).

Other. 

• The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Statutory Storage Period for Embryos and Gametes) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/566
• The Registration of Births and Deaths (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/577. Applicable England and Wales.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Obligations of Hospitality Undertakings) (England) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1008. Require certain undertakings in the hospitality industry, to take measures to ensure that their customers follow the rules on social distancing.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Collection of Contact Details etc and Related Requirements) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1005.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/988.  Impose restrictions on gatherings of two or more persons in private dwellings in Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull. They also impose restrictions on persons who live in Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell participating in gatherings of two or more persons in private dwellings outside of those areas.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Leicester) (No. 2) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/987. Permit the following to reopen from 15th September 2020 in the area of Leicester City Council: casinos, indoor skating rinks, indoor play areas (including soft play areas), bowling alleys and conference centres and exhibition halls.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Protected Areas and Linked Childcare Households) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1019. Amend the “protected areas” legislation in SI 2020/824, SI 2020/828, 2020/988, and SI 2020/1010; In these instruments and in SI 2020/974 also enable households to be “linked childcare households” for the purpose of providing informal childcare.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place and on Public Transport) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/2021. Amend SI 2020/592 so that taxis and private hire vehicles are included in the modes of public transport to which the requirement to wear a face covering applies.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 2020, SI 1020/1029. impose restricted opening hours and other restrictions on certain businesses in England (apart from Bolton) selling goods or providing services. They also make changes to the different restrictions which apply in the area of Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council, set out in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Bolton) Regulations 2020. These Regulations also make changes to the restrictions on gatherings in England, in relation to gatherings for support groups, weddings and other significant events, and sports gatherings.
  These Regulations make changes to the amounts of fines which can be imposed by fixed penalty notices for breach of restrictions in certain regulations made under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 2020, SI2020/1029 These Regulations impose restricted opening hours and other restrictions on certain businesses in England (apart from Bolton) selling goods or providing services.
• The Fatal Accidents Act 1976 (Remedial) Order 2020, SI 2020/1023 Section 1A of the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 (c.30) (the “Act”) provides for a fixed sum of bereavement damages to be awarded to a limited category of persons in the event of a fatal accident caused by …
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Protected Areas and Restriction on Businesses) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1041. Amend the meaning of “the protected area”  in SI 2020/828 (North of England); SI 2020/974 (North East and North West of England) and SI 2020/974 (Bolton).
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Medium, High and Very High) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1154. These Regulations subject a number of areas to the restrictions set out in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Very High) (England) Regulations 2020 (the “Very High Regulations”), and make corresponding amendments to remove those areas from the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (High) (England) Regulations 2020 (the “High” Regulations”), subject a number of areas to the restrictions set out in the High Regulations and impose closures on additional businesses in the areas concerned. They also make minor amendments to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Medium) (England) Regulations 2020, the High Regulations and the Very High Regulations.
• The Health Protection (Notification) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1175. These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 (“the Principal Regulations”) and require diagnostic laboratories that process tests, and persons who carry out point of care tests, for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or influenza virus to notify Public Health England of the results of those tests.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Medium, High and Very High) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1176. These Regulations subject the area of Warrington Borough Council to the restrictions set out in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Very High) (England)
  Regulations 2020 (the “Very High Regulations”) and make corresponding amendments to remove Warrington from the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (High) (England) Regulations 2020. They impose closures on additional businesses in that area.
  They also make a number of minor corrections to the Very High Regulations, the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Medium) (England) Regulations 2020, and the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (High) (England) Regulations 2020.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Medium, High and Very High) (England) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1183, Moves a number areas on Nottinghamshire from Local Covid Alert Level High to Local Covid Alert Level Very High.

Judgment

• E (Vaccine) [2021] EWCOP 7 (20 January 2021) Court of Protection held that a woman in her 80s living in care home, who does not have mental capacity to decide, should receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Her son objected on grounds of his scepticism about its efficacy.

England – Guidance

Secondary Legislation – Wales

• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2020, WSI 2020 No. 497 (W. 118)
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020, WSI 2020 No. 529 (W. 124) 
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 2020, WSI 2020 No. 557 (W. 129)
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 6) Regulations 2020 WSI No. 619 (W. 141).
  
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 7) Regulations 2020 WSI 686 (W153).
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2020, WSI 725 (W. 162)
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2020,  WSI 752 (W. 169)
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/820 (W. 180)
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020, WSI 803 (W176).
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/820 (W. 180). 
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020, WSI 834 (W186).
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 2020 WSI 2020/867 (W 189).
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 6) Regulations 2020 SI 2020/884 (W.195)
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 7) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/912 (W.204)
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 8) (Caerphilly) Regulations 2020, No. 961 (W. 215)
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Functions of Local Authorities) (Wales) Regulations 2020, WSI 2020/984 (W. 221) Provides local authorities in Wales with powers to control premises, events and public places in their areas to help control coronavirus within their areas. Includes closing premises and public places and stopping events where necessary.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 9) Regulations 2020 WSI 2020/985 (W. 222) These Regulations restrict gatherings indoors of members of an extended household to 6 persons and require face coverings to be worn in the indoor public areas of “open premises” .
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 10) (Rhondda Cynon Taf) Regulations 2020, WSI 2020/1007 (W 224), Designate Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough as a local health protection area that is subject to specific restrictions and requirements
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Functions of Local Authorities etc.) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, WSI 2020/1100 (W. 250). Expand the power conferred on local authorities to issue public place directions such that a direction may prohibit specified activities in a public place as well as restrict access to it.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 18) (Bangor) Regulations 2020 WSI 2020/1102 (W. 251).
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2020, as amended, 16 October 2020
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 4) (Wales)Regulations 2020, WSI  2020/1219 (W. 276). Post-Lockdown Regulations, coming into force on 9 November 2020 and must be reviewed by 19 November, at least once in the period from 20 November to 3 December, at least once in the period from 4 December to 17 December, and at least every 21 days after that. It also provides that unless the Regulations are revoked or amended before then, they expire on 19 February 2021.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 4) (Wales) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1219, (W.276). Coming into force on 9 December 2020. Restrictions in Wales, and on entering and leaving Wales.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1610 (W.336). Regulations make amendments to the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1609 (W. 335))

Guidance – Wales

• Higher-level restrictions to come into force to control coronavirus. New Alert Level 4 restrictions will apply to all of Wales: all non-essential retail, including close contact services and all leisure and fitness centres will close at the end of trading on Christmas Eve; all hospitality premises will close from 6pm on Christmas Day; tighter restrictions on household mixing, staying-at-home, holiday accommodation and travel will apply from December 28, after the 5-day Christmas period. (16 October 2020).
• Temporary closure of places of worship. Response to FOI request for a copy of all records relating to the decision to close places of worship during the fire break period that commenced on 23 October 2020. (16 December 2020).
• Closure of businesses and premises: coronavirus (COVID 19), (23 October), Welsh Government.
• Coronavirus legislation and guidance on the law, The main (“principal”) Regulations are the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No 2) (Wales) Regulations 2020, 16 October 2020. Part 2A of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, as amended by the Health and Social Care Act 2008 enables the Welsh Ministers, by regulations, to make law for the purpose of preventing, protecting against, controlling or providing a public health response to the incidence or spread of infection or contamination in Wales. This includes the power to impose “restrictions or requirements on or in relation to persons, things or premises in the event of, or in response to, a threat to public health.”
• Coronavirus regulations: frequently asked questions, 19 October 2020. What you and businesses can and cannot do during the outbreak and what happens if you break these new laws.
• COVID-19: Restrictions in place for hospitality settings from 18:00 on Friday 4th December. Welsh Government. (1 December 2020)
• Singing over the festive period, Welsh Government. How sing safely over the Christmas period, including carol singing and worship services. (10 December 2020).
• Guidance on reopening places of worship: coronavirus. Welsh Government. Guidance written specifically with places of worship and gatherings of faith and belief groups in mind in alert level 4. (23 December 2020).

• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 10) Regulations 2021, SSI 2021/1 and Policy Note.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 11) Regulations 2021, SSI 2021/3 and Policy Note.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020
• Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/126, and accompanying Policy Note.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 3) Regulations 2020 SSI 2020/182, and accompanying Policy Note.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 5) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/190.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 6) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/199
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Aberdeen City) Regulations 2020 SSI 2020/234.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 10) Regulations 2020 SSI 236 and Policy Note.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 11) Regulations 2020 SSI 2020/241

• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 12) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/251

• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Aberdeen City) Amendment Regulations 2020 SSI 2020/253.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 13) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/261, and Policy Note.  These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (“the principal regulations”).
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Directions by Local Authorities) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/262, and Policy Note. Gives Scottish local authorities a power to impose certain restrictions by direction (similar to a power already extant in England).
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/279 . These Regulations require certain premises to close to members of the public. They also require a person who is responsible for a place of worship, carrying on a business or providing a service to take measures, where reasonably practicable, to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/279 . These Regulations require certain premises to close to members of the public. They also require a person who is responsible for a place of worship, carrying on a business or providing a service to take measures, where reasonably practicable, to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 12) Regulations 2020, WSI 1035 (W. 229), Impose restrictions on sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises, but remove the exemption from the requirement to wear a face covering applicable in premises where food or drink is sold, replacing it with a reasonable excuse for customers not to wear a face covering while seated.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 13) (Llanelli etc.) Regulations 2020, WSI 1040 (W.230) designate 13 electoral wards (referred to in legislation as electoral “divisions”) in the Llanelli area as a local health protection area that is subject to specific restrictions and requirements on sale of alcohol.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 14) (Cardiff and Swansea) Regulations 2020, WSI 1043 (W.232). Inclusion of the City and County of Cardiff; and the City and County of Swansea in the Principal Regulations.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/300. These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (“the principal regulations”).
• The Coronavirus (Scotland) Acts (Amendment of Expiry Dates) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/229 These Regulations amend the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 (the “first Act”) and the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020 (the “second Act”).
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2020, SI 2020/300 These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (“the principal regulations”).
• The Coronavirus (Scotland) Acts (Amendment of Expiry Dates) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/299 These Regulations amend the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 (the “first Act”) and the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020 (the “second Act”).
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Additional Temporary Measures) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/318. Additional temporary restrictions and requirements making provision for the areas specified in “the protected area” (Reg 2) and for the rest of Scotland. They expire at 6 a.m. on 26 October 2020. The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 are suspended during the life of these Regulations.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Functions of Local Authorities etc.) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, WSI 2020/1100 (W. 250). Expand the power conferred on local authorities to issue public place directions such that a direction may prohibit specified activities in a public place as well as restrict access to it.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 18) (Bangor) Regulations 2020 WSI 2020/1102 (W. 251).
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2020, SSI 347.  amend the Level 2 restrictions provided for in those Regulations, to remove amusement arcades in a Level 2 area from the requirement to close to the public
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Additional Temporary Measures) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/318.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Additional Temporary Measures) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/329. Regulation 2 amends the principal regulations to provide that they no longer expire at 6 a.m. on 26 October 2020 and instead expire at 6 a.m. on 2 November 2020.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, SSI 344. These Regulations (which come into force at 6 a.m. on 2 November 2020) set out restrictions and requirements which apply in Scotland as a result of coronavirus. Different levels of restrictions and requirements (Level 0 to Level 4) are provided for in schedules 1 to 5 respectively of these Regulations. The levels apply to the local areas specified in schedule
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/374. Come into force at 6.00 am 1 November 2020, amending the principal regulations. Regulation 3, local authority areas of Fife, Angus, and Perth and Kinross; Reg 4 the local government areas of Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands and Na h-Eileanan Siar.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 3) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/389.  Coming into force at 6.00 p.m. on 20th November 2020.
• Scottish General Election (Coronavirus) Bill, summarized here. 17 November 2020.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2020, SSI 347.  amend the Level 2 restrictions provided for in those Regulations, to remove amusement arcades in a Level 2 area from the requirement to close to the public.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 4) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/392. Local authority area of East Lothian, making it subject to level 2 restrictions and requirements, rather than level 3.

Secondary Legislation – Northern Ireland

• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No.5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021, SR 2021/46. These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 by permitting click and collect to operate for non-essential retail businesses if payments are completed at time of order, either online, phone, text or post. Also enable Government Departments to use Nightingale Courts, increases number of persons limit on outdoor gatherings from 6 to 10, from no more than 2 households, for the purpose of socialising which is not otherwise a sporting event and permits a customer’s carer to accompany them to pick up a Motability vehicle.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No.5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021, SR 2021/46. These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 by permitting click and collect to operate for non-essential retail businesses if payments are completed at time of order, either online, phone, text or post. Also enable Government Departments to use Nightingale Courts, increases number of persons limit on outdoor gatherings from 6 to 10, from no more than 2 households, for the purpose of socialising which is not otherwise a sporting event and permits a customer’s carer to accompany them to pick up a Motability vehicle.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021, SR 2021/29. Regulation 3 inserts paragraph (3A) into regulation 4D of the principle regulations to allow that a person may provide driving instruction when that service is provided by, or on behalf, The Police Service of Northern Ireland, The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Health and Social Care Trust, or the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Board for the purpose of testing of competence to drive a vehicle.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021, SI 2021/27. Regulation 3 substitutes sub-paragraph (a) of regulation 4B(1) of the principle regulations to provide exceptions to the restrictions on non-essential retail businesses which requires that they cease to carry on that business or provide that service except making deliveries in response to requests received by on-line communication, by telephone, by text message or by post or in the case of a car dealership which is a Motability dealer, by permitting a customer to collect a Motability vehicle following an online application
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021, SR 2021/18. These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (“the principal regulations”). Regulation 3 amends the date that the Department of Health must review the need for restrictions and requirements imposed by the Regulation 3 of the principal regulations to on or before 18 February 2021. Regulation 3 also amends the expiry date of the principal regulations to midnight on 5 March 2021
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, SR 2020 No. 82
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, SR 2020 No 84.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, SR 2020 No 86.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 SR 2020/96. in 7 June.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Amendment No. 6) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 SR 2020/103.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Amendment No. 7) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 SR 2020/109.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Amendment No. 8) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, SR 2020/118.  
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Amendment No. 9) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, SR 2020/121. 
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Amendment No. 10) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, SR 2020/128. 
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 SR 164, come into operation on such day as the Department of Health may by order appoint.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 SR 2020/170. Various starting dates.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (Commencement) Order (Northern Ireland) 2020 SR 2020/169 (C. 4).

• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 SR 2020/187.

• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 SR 164, come into operation on such day as the Department of Health may by order appoint.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 SR 2020/195. These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 by removing play areas from businesses, services providers and premises subject to closure.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 SR 2020/195. These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 by removing play areas from businesses, services providers and premises subject to closure.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 SR 2020/198. Amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 by applying restrictions in the protected area as defined. The restrictions permit a gathering of one household indoors at a private dwelling, and of up to six persons from up to two households outdoors at a private dwelling. Certain exemptions to those restrictions are allowed.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 6) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, SR 204. Make changes to the places where restrictions will apply. Outdoor venues where intoxicating liquor may be consumed are now subject to regulations 4A, 4B, and 4C, and places of worship are excluded.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 11) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, SR 232.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 12) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, SR 2020/239. Regulation 3(1) provides for physical education to take place in schools and other educational
  settings. Regulation 3(2) provides that tables or other facilities in an area adjacent to hospitality premises are to be treated as part of the premises.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 14) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, SR 2020/255. Amendment of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 in relation to “Enforcement officers and premises improvement notices.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 15) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, SR 2020/256. These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020. They provide for the restrictions in Schedule 2 to be extended to the end of Thursday 26 November. They also introduce modifications of those restrictions from 20 November.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 8) Regulations 2020, SSI 2020/452. These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (“the Local Levels Regulations”). With the exception of regulation 5, these Regulations come into force on 21 December 2020. Regulation 5 comes into force on 26 December.

Isle of Man

• The following four Government Circulars give legal effect to the lockdown provisions.
  • Direction by Council of Ministers under Part 7A of the Public Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 relating to the circumstances in which persons may gather together outside of their household
  • Prohibition Notice by the Council of Ministers under regulation 26C of the Public Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 (exceptions from regulation 26B: general) relating to the circumstances in which a person may not leave his or her home
  • Direction by the Council of Ministers under Regulation 30 of the Public Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 relating to closure of premises
  • Direction by Council of Ministers under Regulation 30 of the Public Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 relating to Educational Institutions
• Public Health Act 1990 Statutory Documents. Secondary legislation made under the Public Health Act 1990.
• Consolidated Secondary Legislation including COVID 19 (Coronavirus) Legislation, Scroll down.

Local lockdown restrictions

• Local restrictions: areas with an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), [England]. DHSC, updated 9 September. Areas with local restrictions; Managing local outbreaks; News stories.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): local advice and measures, [Scotland].
• Local lockdown, Guidance and services, [Wales].
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): regulations and localised restrictions. [Northern Ireland]

Isle of Man

• Public Health Protection (Coronations)(Amendment) Regulations 2020.

Guidance and Statements

General, country-specific guidance relating to COVID-19 is available for UK, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. More specific guidance and relevant Press Releases are listed below.