COVID-19 Coronavirus: legislation and guidance

This post includes the legislation and guidance relating to COVID-19 Coronavirus from February 2020 until the present time, December 2021*; it incorporates material from the earlier versions to which more recent material has been added‡. The areas covered in this summary are:

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

Legislation and guidance

Legislation relating to coronavirus is available on the government web site, 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.

The following areas are included in this present post:

Legislation
Other legislation with impacts on COVID-19
Guidance
Analysis
Case law

Legislation

England

Two key items of primary legislation contain emergency powers relating to coronavirus and health protection in England.

These regulations set out the restrictions in England:

Other restriction which have been imposed include:

From 19th July 2021 the following health protection regulations no longer have effect:

Wales

Two key items of primary legislation contain emergency powers relating to coronavirus and health protection in Wales.

These regulations set out the current restrictions in Wales.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1609)

There are three key health protection regulations that apply to everyone in Wales.

Other restriction which have been imposed include:

Scotland

Four key items of primary legislation contain emergency powers relating to coronavirus and health protection in Scotland.

These regulations set out the current restrictions in Scotland.

Other restriction which have been imposed include:

The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 5) Regulations 2021, SSI 2021/475.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (International Travel and Operator Liability) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 13) Regulations 2021, SSI 2021/478.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 6) Regulations 2021, SSI 2021/496. Also Policy Note. Amendments to principal Regulations, in relation to: social distancing; exceptions re: households in regulation 4A(1); provisions where alcohol is sold; attendance at live events; designation of Enforcement Officers. Regulation 4 comes into force at 5.00 a.m. on 27 December 2021. All other provisions come into force at 5.00 a.m. on 26 December 2021.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 7) Regulations 2021, SSI 2021/497. Amend the principal Regulations to close nightclubs, dance halls or discotheque premises, subject to certain exceptions, from 5.00 a.m. on 27 December 2021.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 8) Regulations 2021, SSI 2021/498. These provide that a person responsible for premises which cease to operate as a nightclub, dance hall or discotheque does not commit a licensing offence, where that person does so to prevent the application of the requirements of regulation 4C(1) of the principal Regulations.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (International Travel and Operator Liability) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022, SSI 2022/2.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2022, SSI 2022/13.

Northern Ireland

Two key items of primary legislation contain emergency powers relating to coronavirus and health protection in Northern Ireland.

These regulations set out the current restrictions in Northern Ireland.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (S.R. 2021/93)

There are three key health protection regulations that apply to everyone in Northern Ireland.

Other restriction which have been imposed include:

[Top of Page]

Other legislation with impacts on COVID-19

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. The implication in the use of existing legislation is that parliamentary scrutiny on this aspect of its uses likely to be limited.
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 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 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 by wrongful act, neglect or default

[Top of Page]

Guidance

England

Working safely during coronavirus Information added about who should go to work. From Monday 13 December, office workers who can work from home should do so. (COVID-19), DBEIS (12 December 2021).
Using your NHS COVID Pass for travel abroad and at venues and settings in England. How to use the NHS COVID Pass to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at venues and settings in England. Added guidance on new mandatory certification rules on visiting certain venues and events came into force on Wednesday 15 December after approval by Parliament. DHSC, (13 December 2021).
Carrying out mandatory COVID-19 status checks at your venue or event. Guidance for organisations setting out which venues and events must use the NHS COVID Pass, or equivalent proof of vaccination or testing, as a condition of entry, and how to operate the scheme. Now approved by Parliament, checking the COVID-19 status of attendees is mandatory in certain settings from 6am Wednesday 15 December. DHSC, (13 December 2021).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for funerals and commemorative events during the coronavirus pandemic, Updated to reflect changes in guidance on face coverings and the introduction of the NHS COVID Pass. (16 December 2021).
Coronavirus Act 2020: status table. Sets out the status of provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020. (Updated 22 December 2021).
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread. Cabinet Office. (Updated 22 December 2021).
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) Updated to reflect England’s move to ‘Plan B’ of the COVID-19 Autumn/Winter Plan. DBEIS. (22 December 2021).
Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19). Updated guidance in line with plan B (as described in the 30 November update), guidance on booster vaccines and guidance on the requirement. (22 December 2021).
Carrying out mandatory COVID-19 status checks at your venue or event, DHSC. (22 December 2021).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, receptions and celebrations. Guidance for couples planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England, and venues hosting these events. (23 December 2021).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing public health information to passengers travelling to or from England. (4 January 2022).
Report a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test result (5 January 2022).
Evidence Summary Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the use of face coverings in education settings January 2022, “The effectiveness of face coverings stems mostly from reducing the emission of these virus-carrying particles when worn by an infected person (source control). They may provide a small amount of protection to an uninfected wearer; however, this is not their primary intended purpose“. DfE, (January 2022).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, receptions and celebrations. Updated to include the change from 11 January when people in England who receive a positive lateral flow test will be required to self-isolate immediately but will not need to take a confirmatory PCR test. Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Cabinet Office. (11 January 2022).
COVID-19: arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event Removes the requirement for people testing positive on an LFD test to have a confirmatory PCR test. (11 January 2022) .
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread, Get tested and self-isolate if required’ updated to reflect new testing and isolation rules. Cabinet Office. (18 January 2022).
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship Additional text on changes with return to Plan A. Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and MHCLG (20 January 2022)
England to return to Plan A following the success of the booster programme Plan B measures will be removed following millions getting the booster, which gives strong protection against Omicron, Press Release, DHSC, (20 January 2022).
Continuing to keep workplaces safe from coronavirus (COVID-19). HSE Advice on removal of Plan B measures, (20 January 2022).
COVID-19: arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event. From 27 January there will no longer be a legal requirement to wear a face covering in any setting. The government suggests that you continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet. UK Health Security Agency and DHSC (21 January 2022).

Wales

Plan to ease alert level 2 protections announced | GOV.WALES (14 January 2022).
Church in Wales: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance – Update 14 January 2022 The First Minister has signalled that Wales will return to Alert Level Zero from 28 January. Restrictions on the number of people gathering outdoors are being relaxed sooner.

Northern Ireland

Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations and guidance: what they mean for you Following an increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, additional restrictions have been introduced for people in Northern Ireland. These new restrictions are in place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

[Top of Page]

Government statements &c

England

Prime Minister’s address to the nation on booster jabs: 12 December 2021. (12 December 2021)
UK coronavirus (COVID-19) alert level increased from Level 3 to Level 4 (12 December 2021).
Daily rapid testing for COVID-19 contacts launches this week. (12 December 2021)
Prime Minister announces Covid-19 Inquiry Chair (15 December 2021).

Press Releases

Government takes action to mitigate workforce disruption, The government has taken actions to mitigate workforce disruption cause by Omicron. Press Release, Cabinet Office and The Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP. (2 January 2022).

Testing measures to ensure young people return to classrooms, Press release. On-site Covid lateral flow tests for secondary pupils on return to school, with students and staff encouraged to test twice a week. DfE, DHSC, Office of the Children’s Commissioner (3 January 2021).

Prime Minister reissues call for public to get boosted and announces new critical workforce testing measures. The Prime Minister today updated the public on the government’s ongoing actions to tackle COVID-19 and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed, including implementing Plan B measures, standing up local Nightingales to create extra capacity, buying more antivirals per person than anywhere else in Europe, significantly increasing testing capacity and rolling out the vital booster programme. Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, (4 January 2021).

PM opening statement at COVID-19 press conference: 4 January 2022. Press Release. Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a COVID-19 press conference. (5 January 2022).

Confirmatory PCR tests to be temporarily suspended for positive lateral flow test results. Press Release. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announces temporary changes to confirmatory PCR tests. (5 January 2022).

PM statement to the House of Commons on COVID-19: 5 January 2022. Oral statement to Parliament. (5 January 2022).

Wales

Strengthened measures to keep Wales safe as omicron strikes, First Minister Mark Drakeford, (22 December 2021). Revised version of alert level two from Boxing Day. This will mean:

A general requirement of 2m social distancing in all premises open to the public and workplaces, where reasonable.
The rule of six will apply to gatherings in regulated premises, such as hospitality, cinemas and theatres.
All licensed premises will need to take additional measures to protect customers and staff, including table service and collecting contact details.
Face coverings will be required in hospitality settings at all times apart from when seated.
Large events will not be allowed indoors or outdoors. The maximum number of people who can gather at an indoor event will be 30 and 50 outdoors.

[Top of Page]

Analysis

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. (regularly updated).
House of Commons Library: Coronavirus: the lockdown laws, (updated 24 March 2021).
House of Commons Library: Research Briefing: Renewing parts of the Coronavirus Act, new public health regulations and parliamentary proceedings, A briefing for the debate in the Commons on 25 March on four motions on coronavirus legislation and parliamentary proceedings during the pandemic.(24 March 2021).
House of Commons Library: The coronavirus timeline: Measures taken by the House of Commons, The coronavirus timeline sets out the Commons’ response to the pandemic, including key ‘lock down’ dates and changes to the way parliamentarians worked. It includes links to the relevant debates in Hansard, Speaker’s Statements, Procedure Committee reports, the ‘Members’ Guide to hybrid proceedings’ and correspondence on proceedings during the pandemic. 29 March, 2021.
Coronavirus Act one-year report: March 2021, One-year report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active. DHSC. (22 March 2021).
Coronavirus – The Lockdown Laws. House of Commons Briefing Paper, (24 February 2021).
The coronavirus timeline: Measures taken by the House of Commons, 23 February 2021.
(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do, Updated to include how coronavirus restrictions will change from April 12th. Cabinet Office, (update, 5 April 2021).
PM statement at coronavirus press conference: 5 April 2021, (5 April 2021).
COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021: roadmap reviews, Cabinet Office, (5 April 2021).
Roadmap reviews: Update , HMG, (5 April 2021).
Twice weekly rapid testing to be available to everyone in England, Everyone in England will be able to access free, regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing from 9 April, the Government has announced, (5 April 2021).
Further easing of Covid restrictions confirmed for 12 April. Outdoor pubs, shops, gyms and hairdressers to reopen. Cabinet Office. (5 April 2021).
Table of COVID-19 Lockdown Regulations, Adam Wagner, (updated 16 June 2021).
Stockman et al: Measurements and Simulations of Aerosol Released while Singing and Playing Wind Instruments. ACS Environ. Au 2021.
House of Commons: Health and Social Care and Science and Technology Committees: Sixth Report of the Health and Social Care Committee and Third Report of the Science and Technology Committee of Session 2021–22: Coronavirus: lessons learned to date report published. HC 92.
BBC: Covid: UK start to pandemic worst public health failure ever, MPs say.
House of Common Library: Renewal of the temporary provisions under the Coronavirus Act 2020. (14 October 2021).
Written statement to Parliament: Summary of updates to international travel, October 2021. (18 October 2021).
The government’s preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons for government on risk management, National Audit Office, (17 November 2021).
Adam Wagner: Table of COVID-19 Lockdown Regulations and other resources, updated 27 November 2021.
Coronavirus: A history of English lockdown laws, House of Commons Library Research Briefing, (22 September (2021). The Government has published a huge range of guidance relating to coronavirus. Most coronavirus guidance has been a mixture of information on the law and public health advice. The UK Government amended and adapted its coronavirus guidance as its response to coronavirus progressed. Some of these changes did not require changes to the law but did have a significant impact on how people experienced the lockdown. Coronavirus guidance is not discussed in detail in this briefing.
Coronavirus: Lockdown Laws, House of Commons Library Research Briefing, (22 September (2021). This Library briefing paper explains the types of coronavirus restrictions and requirements imposed by the UK’s lockdown laws.
COVID-19 in the United Kingdom, Frank Cranmer and David Pocklington, (2021), 187, Trinity / Michaelmas Term, 96-120, Law and Justice (The Christian Law Review).
BMJ: Covid-19: Is it safe to reduce the self-isolation period? (30 December 2021).
BMJ Opinion. Covid-19: An urgent call for global “vaccines-plus” action – An open letter by a group of public health experts, clinicians, scientists, some of whom are members of Independent SAGE. The letter calls for: 1. Unequivocally declaration that COVID is airborne; 2. High-quality masks in all indoor spaces; 3. Improved air quality in public buildings; 4. Setting of criteria for introducing/relaxing measures as case numbers rise/fall 5. Strive for global vaccine equity. (3 January 2022).
BMJ: Covid-19: Fact check—how many patients in hospital are unvaccinated? (4 January 2022).
HSE: Continuing to keep workplaces safe from coronavirus (COVID-19), Next review due: 30 January 2022, (6 January 2022).
Peng et al, Environmental Science and Technology: Practical Indicators for Risk of Airborne Transmission in Shared Indoor Environments and Their Application to COVID-19 Outbreaks. A model of airborne disease transmission through shared-room air is shown to explain literature outbreaks and can help guide mitigations. (5 January 2022).
Ecclesiastical Insurance: COVID-19 Secure – places of worship. Includes links to Information and guidance on managing the risk have been provided by the Church of England, the Methodist Church, the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Church in Wales and the Scottish Episcopal Church. (31 December 2021).
UK Human Rights Blog: Police powers under Welsh COVID Regulations. The Welsh Regulations created a new power of entry which allows police officers to enter people’s homes in certain circumstances to investigate breaches of the COVID Regulations. the power of English police officers to enter people’s homes is more restricted, governed by the provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (‘PACE’) and the common law rules for dealing with breaches of the peace.(18 January 2022).
David Allen Green. The Law and Policy Blog: The joy of implicitly. The implications of using “implicitly”. (17 January 2022).

[Top of Page]

Case law

R (Hussain) v Secretary of State for Health & Social Care [2020] EWHC 1392 (Admin)
R (Cripps Barn Group Ltd) v Secretary of State for Health and Social Care [2020] EWHC (Admin) [unreported].
Dolan & Ors v Secretary of State for Health And Social Care & Anor [2020] EWHC 1786 (Admin), [See Article 9 challenges to the COVID-19 lockdown in England: R (Hussain) and Dolan , (8 July 2020)].
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.
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust v AH [2021] EWCOP 64. A 56 year old woman described by doctors as “the most complex COVID patient in the world” should have ventilation withdrawn and be allowed to die, a second High Court judge has ruled after her family successfully appealed against the original decision.
X v Y [2021] UKET 2413947/2020. Reserved judgment. Employee had refused to return to work, believing that her fear of catching Covid was protected under the Equality Act.Tribunal finds that fear of contracting Covid is not a protected philosophical belief under s10 of the Equality Act. [See L&RUK round-up for 26 December 2021].
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust v AH [2021] EWCOP 64. See COVID-19 and end of life care: AH, infra

[Top of Page]

Church of England

Advice and guidance
Documents

Advice and guidance.

Church of England‡

Updated: Tuesday 25 January, 13.30

The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, has thanked parishes and the public for their sacrifices as England lifts plan B measures from Thursday 27 January,

Updated documents:

COVID-19 Opening and managing church buildings v2.4 (25 January 2022) updates the earlier version, and takes into account the removal from 27th January of the additional restrictions in England that were brought in under the Government’s Plan B.

Update: Thursday 20`January, 15:30

Following the Health Secretary’s announcement that England will to return to Plan A from Thursday 27 January, The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, who leads the Church of England’s Covid Recovery Group, said:

“We note the Government’s announcement regarding the ending of Plan B measures from next week and will review our advice as soon as detailed guidance is published.”

Update: Friday 10 December, 15:11

Updated Risk Assessment for Opening Church Buildings to the Public during Coronavirus (COVID-19), V10.1 to take account of the legal requirement to wear face coverings.

Latest Information (formerly FAQs – scroll down on CofE web page).

What is the current guidance for opening and managing churches?
How do we keep buildings well ventilated in winter?
Will churches use vaccine certification vaccine passports?
How do I get a flu vaccine?
How can we complete a risk assessment for our church building?
What guidance is there for pastoral visiting now to individual homes and care homes?
How should we use NHS test and trace?
How can I contribute to vaccination equity campaigns?
How can I get a lateral flow test?
Is there guidance on live streaming from church buildings?
Copyright issues for live streaming
What resources are available to support mental health and emotional well-being?
What evidence is there for keeping the church clean?
Is there guidance on how we can hold our PCC meeting or APCM?

Documents

Current Guidance

COVID-19 Opening and managing church buildings, v2.3, (9 December 2021).
COVID-19 NHS Test & Trace Data, v5 (16 July 2021).
LiCOVID-19 Livestreaming Worship, v 1.1, (8 December 2020).

Current Resources

Risk Assessment Template for Opening Church Buildings to the Public, v10.1, (10 December 2021).
Test and Trace consent form template, (undated).
Test and Trace online privacy notice template, (undated).
Test and Trace privacy notice template, (undated).
Mental Health Support Charities and the Church, (undated).

The below Marking our communities resources have been prepared by The Liturgical Commission:

Prayers of Lament, Thanksgiving and Restoration, v1, (3 June 2020)
Re-entering our church buildings [Unavailable via website link]
When we meet again: remembering and memorials, v1, 3 June 2020).

[Top of page]

Other churches and faith organizations

Church in Wales

General

Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance – Update: 23^rd December 2021. Alert Level 2 Restrictions from 26th December 2021
Coronavirus related Legislation: Briefing for churches in Wales, Cytûn, Update 27 December 2021).

Guidance

Risk assessment templates

Scottish Episcopal Church

Coronavirus updates and resources (updated 20 December 2021)
Advisory Group e-mail update, (23 December 2021).
Frequently Asked Questions (Version 12), (20 December 2021).
College of Bishops’ Pastoral Letter, (20 December 2021).

Church of Scotland

Guidance for the safe operation of church buildings, worship, events and support services during the COVID-19 pandemic. (17 December 2021).

Roman Catholic Church EW

Guidance for Communal Worship during the COVID-19 Pandemic, (10 December 2021).

Association of British Choral Directors

Government Guidance, Summary of recent guidance in UK. (9 December 2021)

Royal School of Church Music (RSCM)

COVID-19: Guidance for Safe Music-making in Church UPDATE: 9th December 2021 (iii) [Unlike the main RSCM site, this is not a secure link]

Central Council of Church Bell Ringers (CCCBR)

Covid Plan B – England, (23 December 2021).

List of the posts on L&RUK

2022

January 2022

Law and religion round-up – 2 January. (Covid-related) “Standing orders” in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Law and religion round-up – 9 January Guidance for the safe use of places of worship, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Cabinet Office.
COVID-19 and end of life care: AH. Case note on Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust v AH [2021] EWCOP 64, AH was a 56-year-old woman, in intensive care with severe symptoms from COVID-19 since December 2020 and whether she should have her ventilation withdrawn and be allowed to die. (10 January 2022).
COVID-19: Church in Wales update, (14 January 2022).
Law and religion round-up – 16 January. No COVID-19 related items.
COVID-19: Plan B guidance to be lifted in England. Additional text to COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship for England, announcing that the measures put in place under Plan B will be lifted. (20 January 2022).
COVID-19: Church of England updated advice, (25 January 2022).

2021

December 2021

Law and religion round-up – 5th December. COVID-19: the Omicron variant; Transmission of COVID (I); Transmission of COVID (II).
Church of England: Plan B guidance – face coverings, (10 December).
Law and religion round-up – 12th December . Mask wearing; Plan B update.
Mandatory COVID-19 status checks in England: exemption for places of worship, (13 December 2021).
Church in Wales – new Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance, (17 December 2021).
Church of England: Last minute resources for Christmas, Resources for parishes. (21 December 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 26th December. COVID-19 and the right to worship in Ireland, Is a fear of COVID-19 a protected belief? (26 December 2021).

November 2021

Law and religion round-up – 31st October. No COVID-19 related items, except (indirectly) an update on individual cups for Holy Communion.
Electronic registration of births and deaths, England and Wales, (5 November 2021). See Legislation, supra
Law and religion round-up – 7 November. COVID-19 and the Church of England.
Law and religion round-up – 14th November, No COVID-related items, (14 November 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 21st November, Vaccine passports for churches and cathedrals, (21 November 2021).
Emergency Services: Ministers of Religion, (23 November 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 28th November, Omicron variant of COVID-19; Omicron variant and the churches. (28 November 2021).
COVID-19: Omicron variant, (30 November 2021).

October 2021

Navigating the faculty system – CofE environment programme webinar, (1 October 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 3rd October, (3 October 2021).
COVID-19: legislation and guidance, October update, (5 October 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 10th October, (10 October 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 17th October, COVID-19: a critical analysis. The House of Commons Health and Social Care and Science and Technology Committees (17 October2021).
Law and religion round-up – 24th October. COVID-19 and religion in Manitoba (24 October 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 31st October, (31 October 2021).

September 2021

New Church of England and ChurchCare Guidance Notes, (3 September 2021).
COVID-19 legislation and guidance: September update, (3 September 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 5th September, (5 September 2021).
COVID-19 churches’ guidance for “Step 4”, (10 September 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 12th September, (12 September 2021).
COVID-19: next steps for England, (14 September 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 19th September, (19 September 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 26th September, (26 September 2021).
Consultation for vaccine passports – England, (28 September 2021).

August 2021

Law and religion round-up – 1 August. Church of England COVID-19 guidance
COVID-19: Masks in Scotland from 9 August. (6 August).
COVID-19: Church in Wales update for Alert Level Zero. (7 August).
Law and religion round-up – 8th August. COVID-19 and places of worship in Scotland; COVID-19 in Wales; COVID-19 and the NHS App.
Law and religion round-up – 15th August. Changes to self-isolation rules in England.

July 2021

Law and religion round-up – 4 July. Congregational singing in England; COVID-19 and charity AGMs.
Law and religion round-up – 11 July 2021. Progress to Step 4 in England; Individual cups for Holy Communion (again).
COVID-19: Guidance on weddings and civil partnerships from Step 4, (14 July 2021). New guidance for couples planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England, and venues hosting these events
COVID-19: Revocation of regulations in England Summary of SI 2021/848, (15 July 2021,) supra.
COVID-19: Church in Wales update, (16 July 2021).
COVID-19: Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales , (16 July 2021).
COVID-19: Church of England update, (16 July 2021).
COVID-19: Church of England “Step 4” Guidance, (16 July 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 18th July
Law and religion round-up – 25 July 2021: Reactions to easing in England… ; …and in Wales; Non-story of the week? [vaccine passports].

June 2021

Law and religion round-up – 6 June. COVID-19: easing the lockdown in England.
Law and religion round-up – 13 June COVID-19 and Parliamentary scrutiny; COVID-19 and ordinations.
Weddings, wakes and face masks, Relaxation of some Step 2 requirements, (15 June 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 20th June. COVID-19 and Parliamentary scrutiny again; COVID-19 legislation and guidance Temporary permission for outdoor weddings in England & Wales. But no comment on St David’s.
Physical distancing in Scotland, (27 June 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 27 June.. Outdoor weddings in England and Wales; Defining “outdoors”; Physical distancing in Scotland. But no mention of singing.

May 2021

Law and religion round-up – 2nd May, Easing the lockdown in Ireland.
COVID-19: latest relaxations for places of worship in Wales, review by Revd Gethin Rhys and Cytûn of further relaxations in Wales, brought forward from 17 May to 3 May, when Wales moved to Coronavirus Alert Level 3. (4 May 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 9 May. Upcoming Church of England Guidance for funerals
Law and religion round-up – 16 May 2021 No COVID-19 news apart from And finally…II on inconsistencies in the present restrictions on weddings.
COVID-19: Step 3 guidance – Roman Catholic Church EW, (16 May 2021).
COVID-19: Step 3 guidance – Church of England, (17 May 2021)
COVID-19 Update: Cytûn – Churches together in Wales, (18 May 2021)
COVID-19: unexpected choral clampdown, (20 May 2021 and updated 26 May 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 23 May. Church of England: Holy Communion update; In Quires and Places where they sing – maybe; “Take me to your leader” (singing, again).
Law and religion round-up – 30 May. This post included no references to COVID-19 coronavirus.

April 2021

Law and Religion round-up, 4th April. Guidance for Holy Week and Easter. Police action at Catholic Church in Balham.
Law and religion round-up – 11 April. Provisions on His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh relating to COVID-19, reproduced above. Explanation of the update to our post COVID-19 Coronavirus: legislation and guidance.
Law and religion round-up – 18 April 2021 Good Friday and COVID-19 in Balham; Wakefield Cathedral and COVID-19. The latter item notes that religious or belief-based commemorative events, such services commemorating the life of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, are restricted to 15 people in attendance. These provisions limiting attendance to 15 will be relevant to any church, cathedral or other place of worship which intends to hold such an event. However, the Guidance documents indicate “[a]nyone working is not counted in these limits”.
Law and religion round-up – 25 April. Wedding news (relaxation of lockdown), and summary of the report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services: Policing in the pandemic – The police response to the coronavirus pandemic during 2020, (April 2021).

March 2021

COVID-19: places of worship and the latest Welsh Regulations: update. Following the latest announcements by the Welsh Government over the weekend, the Revd Gethin Rhys, Policy Officer of Cytûn, has issued a further update – reproduced with permission – on the position as it affects places of worship. (29 March 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 28 March Guidance for Holy Week and Easter.
COVID-19: New MHCLG guidance on singing Updated COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and which now includes the following advice relating to singing, (26 March 2021).
COVID-19: reopening places of worship in Scotland Following Philip & Ors for Judicial Review of the closure of places of worship in Scotland infra, places of worship in Scotland will be able to open with immediate effect if they wish to do so, and the relevant Regulations have made the necessary changes to the law. (25 March 2021).
COVID-19: was the closure of places of worship in Scotland lawful? Philip & Ors (24 March 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 21 March 2021 . No COCID-19 items apart from reminder from Regulators’ Code on Legislation and Guidance (2014).
Coronavirus and ecclesiastical law – II. Impact of closure of churches on Church services: Celebration of Holy Communion Priest alone; Live streaming of services – Technical aspects, Copyright, Spiritual Communion; Individual cups; Intinction. (16 March 2021).
COVID-19: places of worship and the latest Welsh Regulations, Following the latest announcements by Welsh Government, the Revd Gethin Rhys, Policy Officer of Cytûn, has issued a helpful update on the position as it affects places of worship, (15 March 2021).
Law and religion round-up – 14 March. Easing the lockdown in Scotland Easing the lockdown in England; Marriage law: forthcoming events; Book launch.
Law and religion round-up – 7 March.

[Top of page]

February 2021

Law and religion round-up – 14 March. Easing the lockdown in Scotland Easing the lockdown in England; Marriage law: forthcoming events; Book launch.
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

2020

December 2020

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 2020

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.

October 2020

England lockdown – 5 November to 2 December, (31 October 2020).
Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 31 October 2020, (31 October 2020).
New COVID-19 legislation and guidance to 31 October, (26 October 2020).
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, (25 October 2020).
Coronavirus Firebreak Lockdown – Church in Wales Guidance, (23 October 2020).
Coronavirus circuit break: Wales. (21 October 2020, updated, 23 October).
L&RUK: Catch-up from 23 September, (21 October 2020).
Advice on local outbreaks: Church of England, Two new FAQs issued, 12 October at 10:37. (12 October 2020)
Law and religion round-up – 11th October. COVID-19: marriages and civil partnerships in England, COVID-19: increased restrictions in Ireland. 11 October 2020).
New COVID-19 legislation and guidance to 10 October, (10 October 2020).
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. (4 October 2020).
New COVID-19 legislation and guidance to 3 October. (4 October 2020).

September 2020

Law and religion round-up – 27 September. QR codes for “NHS Test and Trace”; Virtual sittings of C of E General Synod. (20 September 2020).
QR codes for “Test and Trace” in churches, summary of legislation and revised Church of England advice. (23 September 2020).
Law and religion round-up – 20 September. “Rule of Six”; COVID-19 in Ireland. (20 September 2020).
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. (18 September 2020).
COVID-19: Church of England and RSCM updates, Guidance on “the rule of six”. (17 September 2020).
High Holy Day services and gatherings: COVID-19 checklist. Government guidance for Jewish congregations in England. (14 September 2020).
Law and religion round-up – 13 September. New social distancing rules; Coronavirus and the Curtailment of Religious Liberty: A Global Review. (13 September 2020),
Church of England: Places of worship and new restrictions, Statement by Bishop Sarah. [re-issue of original post] (9 September 2020).
Worship unaffected by new restrictions in England, 9 September. Confirmatory tweet from Archbishop of Canterbury. (9 September 2020).
Law and religion round-up – 6th September. Individual cups for Holy Communion; Aerosol and droplet generation. (6 September 2020).
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. (4 September 2020).

August 2020

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. (30 August 2020).
Welsh Government guidance for reopening community centres. (27 August 2020).
Classification and rationalization of churches in Sodor and Man, 27 August. Impact of lockdown on S&M Diocese finance.
Funerals and weddings in Northern Ireland, changes in SR 2020/187. (26 August 2020).
Aerosols and droplets in church – breathing, speaking, shouting and singing. (24 August 2020).
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. (23 August 2020)
COVID-19 – Further changes to Church of England guidance, update of guidance “particularly in light of changes to advice on choirs singing during services”. (17 August 2020).
Law and Religion round-up, 16 August, (16 August 2020).
Coronavirus-related legislation: Cytûn’s briefing for churches in Wales, briefing by The Revd Gethin Rhys, Policy Officer of Cytûn/Churches together in Wales. (13 August 2020).
COVID-19 – Changes to Church of England guidance finalized, twelve items of guidance updated. (10 August 2020).
Law and religion round-up – 9th August, Wearing face coverings from 8 August, in England and Scotland; Church of England General Synod. (9 August 2020).
Face covering during weddings and other services Interim guidance from the Church of England. (5 August 2020).
COVID-19: further (separate) guidance for England and for Wales, (4 August 2020).
Law and religion round-up – 2nd August, local lockdowns on several areas of Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire, including Blackburn and Bradford. (2 August 2020).

July 2020

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. (31 July 2020).
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. (31 July 2020).
Coronavirus and ecclesiastical law – I, the legislation and regulations in relation to time constraints imposed by ecclesiastical provisions. (27 July 2020).
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. (27 July 2020).
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. (26 July 2020).
Regulations on face covering: Advice from Church of England, new regulations excluding places of worship, and strong recommendation from House of Bishops Recovery Group. (23 July 2020).
Law and religion round-up – 19th July. Local lockdowns in England; Singing in churches and cathedrals; Church of England: face-covering. (19 July 2020).
Singing in churches and cathedrals, an update on an earlier post following the recent tranche of guidance and advice. (17 July 2020).
Scotland: Government guidance on safe reopening of places of worship. Opening of places of worship in Scotland for additional permitted purposes from 15 July. (14 July 2020).
Relaxation of coronavirus legislation in Wales from 13 July: initial guidance for churches. (14 July 2020).
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. (13 July 2020).
Marriages and civil partnerships in Wales, Analysis of new guidance. (10 July 2020).
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020: revised post. Analysis of Regulation 5. Revised version of post first published on 200705. (7 July 2020).
Northern Ireland: Executive statement on indoor weddings and baptisms. Resumption of baptisms and indoor marriage ceremonies from Friday, 10 July. (7 July 2020).
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020, Analysis of Regulation 5. (5 July 2020).
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. (5 July 2020).

June 2020

COVID-19: Safe use of places of worship in England from 4 July, Summary of government guidance. (29 June 2020).
Law and religion round-up – 28th June, Opening of places of worship for services, Petertide ordinations, music in churches. (28 June 2020).
House of Bishops Statement on Government COVID-19, guidance, clarification of numbers for worship & weddings; canon law issues doctrine of necessity. (24 June 2020).
Reopening of places of worship in England on 4 July: a clarification. Uncertainty and clarification of numbers for worship & weddings. (26 June 2020).
Delayed marriages in England and Wales, impact of lockdown on reading of Banns and qualifying connections. (24 June 2020).
Restricted church services in England from 4 July, relaxation on weddings and services in England. (23 June 2020).
Breaking news: COVID-19: marriage and civil partnerships in Wales, relaxation on marriage and civil partnerships. (21 June 2020).
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. (21 June 2020).
COVID-19: update on reopening places of worship in England. (16 June 2020).
COVID-19: update on reopening places of worship in Wales. (16 June 2020).
COVID-19: Personal Risk Factors for Clergy, Church Workers and Volunteers. (16 June 2020).
Law and religion round-up – 14th June, Registration of Births in England and Wales; and Premier pressures prelates on private prayer; organists’ practice. (14 June 2020).
Guidance on supervised individual prayer, as below. Section 4 of new guidance. (12 June 2020).
Breaking news: COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship in England, new government guidance. (12 June 2020).
Private prayer update – yet another change. CofE response to government change of date for private prayer to 13 June. (11 June 2020).
Outdoor weddings in Northern Ireland. Permitted in NI, subject to conditions, from 7 June. (9 June 2020).
Law and religion round-up, 7th June. Opening of churches in England, COVID-19 and caveats, face coverings on public transport. (7 June 2020).
COVID-19: further guidance from the Church of England. New FAQs and documents, and updated on the CofE coronavirus web pages. (6 June 2020).
Music, musicians, and the congregation. Part II of our review Churches during relaxation of lockdown. (5 June 2020).
COVID-19: latest guidance from the Church of England – updated: Updated guidance on schools and nurseries. (1 June 2020).

May 2020

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. (31 May 2020}.
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). (29 May 2020}.
COVID-19: latest guidance from the Church of England, new section, Schools and Nurseries, update on delivery of printed communications. (28 May 2020
New CofE guidance: fabric and building maintenance, update of post of 22 May, infra. (27 May 2020).
Evidence of environmental dispersion of COVID-19, report of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies. (26 May 2020).
Research on transmission of COVID-19, report compiled by the Environmental and Modelling Group for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies. (26 May 2020).
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]. (22 May 2020
Postponement of C of E General Synod elections, change to Coronavirus Act 2020 following Privy Council meeting. (21 May 2020).
Guidance on construction work in churches, new FAQ and guidance from CofE. (20 May 2020).
Taskforce on reopening places of worship, report of first meeting of task force. (15 May 2020).
Caring for places of worship during coronavirus (COVID-19), information from HRBA, see below. (15 May 2020).
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. (13 May 2020
Towards opening churches in July, Statement from Church of England, new government guidance. (11 May 2020).
Access to church buildings during lockdown, Advice from Archbishops’ Council, Cathedral and Church Buildings Division, following House of Bishops’ Statement on 5 May. (7 May 2020).
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. (5 May 2020).
Law changes for next General Synod meetings, cancellation of York Synod, amendment of GS Constitution and Standing Orders, postponement of GS elections. (5 May 2020).

April 2020

200430 – Church guidance: live streaming and copyright], New CofE FAQ – What is the guidance on live streaming and copyright? (30 April 2020).
200424 – Welsh Government: Coronavirus update. Review of Welsh Government guidance following update on 24 April. (24 April 2020).
200422 – Correction to errors in coronavirus Regulations. Corrections to SI 2020/350 made through SI 2020/447, effective 11:00 am. (22 April 2020).
200420 – Coronavirus COVID-19: Further marriage law update. Faculty Office update on church weddings; emergency weddings; and qualifying connections. (20 April 2020).
200419 – Law and religion round-up – 19th April. L&RUK and Coronavirus – COVID-19; Coronavirus-COVID 19: legislation and guidance; Cremations and funerals. (19 April 2020).
200419 – PHE guidance: managing a funeral. PHE guidance on attendance of bereaved families at funerals during the pandemic. (19 April 2020).
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. (18 April 2020).
200415 – Cremation under coronavirus restrictions. Overview or legislation and regulations on cremation. (15 April 2020).
200412 – Law and religion round-up – 12th April. Human rights and COVID-19; Diocesan guidance on funeral ministry. (12 April 2020).
200403 – Church building maintenance during lockdown – Update. Update of Church of England Advice issued on 27 March q.v.. (3 April 2020).
200403 – Church in Wales: Covid 19 – Guidance on Vestry & PCC meetings. Statement on holding vestry and PCC meetings. (3 April 2020).
200403 – New PHE advice for safe funerals. Early advices issued by PHE, updated on 19 April, supra. (3 April 2020).

March 2020

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. (30 March 2020).
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. (29 March 2020).
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. (28 March 2020).
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. (24 March 2020).
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. (23 March 2020).
Coronavirus COVID-19: Marriage Law Update. Legal advice published by the Faculty Office. (23 March 2020).
‘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. (22 March 2020).
Law and religion round-up – 22nd March. Coronavirus latest news from government and churches; Live-streaming of church services; and Coronavirus and data protection. (22 March 2020).
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. (21 March 2020).
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. (20 March 2020).
Coronavirus: further guidance from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. Clarification on the meaning of “public worship”. (20 March 2020).
Coronavirus: updated guidance on weddings and baptisms from CofE. Also link to new guidance on live streaming of services. (19 March 2020).
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. (18 March 2020).
Churches in Northern Ireland: Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance. (18 March 2020).
A series of important updates on issues related to the cessation of church services was posted on 17th March
- Church in Wales: Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance. Pastoral Declaration of the Bench of Bishops of the Church in Wales – COVID-19. (17 March 2020).
- 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. (17 March 2020).
- Streaming church services: an (updated) guide to copyright and religion. Guidance on copyright and religion. (17 March 2020).
- Scottish Episcopal Church: Coronavirus – cessation of church services. Announcement from the College of Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church. (17 March 2020).
- 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]. (17 March 2020).
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. (15 March 2020).
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). (12 March 2020).
Church of England coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for churches: updated. Church of England’s update of its coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for churches. (10 March 2020). (10 March 2020).
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. (8 March 2020).
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. (5 March 2020).
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. (3 March 2020).

February 2020

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”.(29 February 2020).
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”. (23 February 2020).
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – latest news. “Still nothing much to do with law – or at least, only marginally so – but…”, Hmm. (14 February 2020).
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. (1 February 2020).

[Top of page]

L&RUK Updates

See also L&RUK weekly round-ups in list of the posts, supra. In view of the reduction in the amount of legislation and guidance by August 2021, from September these updated are issued on a monthly basis. New material is added to COVID-19 Coronavirus: legislation and guidance as before.

2022

January (II) from 18 January 2022
January (I)1 to 17 January 2022

2021

Monthly updates: September 2021 to present

Weekly updates: 1 August 2020 to 21 August 2021

15 August to 21 August: Minor changes to legislation and guidance.
8 August to 14 August: Travel restrictions and changes to self-isolation.
1 August to 7 August: Church in Wales update for Alert Level Zero; Masks in Scotland from 9 August.
25 July to 31 July: CofE Q&A added “What is the Church of England’s position on ‘vaccine passports’?”; CofE Recovery Group formally concluded.
18 July to 24 July: New legislation and guidance for Step 4 in England.
11 July to 17 July. Legislation and guidance in anticipation of Step 4 (England).
4 July to 10 July: Anticipated changes for Step 4 (England).
27 June to 3 July. Weddings, travel arrangements; admission to faith schools.
20 June to 26 June. Amendments to travel regulations, (England); revised regulation for person responsible for “regulated premises”, (Wales); variations on social distancing, (Scotland); Guidance for outdoor weddings in England.
13 June to 20 June. New legislation and guidance for changes to Step 3 in England, relaxation of singing provisions in Wales (though with some strange aspects).
7 June to 12 June. Includes government response to e-petition.
30 May to 6 June. Updates from Association of British Choral Directors and CCCBR.
23 May to 29 May. Various guidance on Step 3 in England
16 May to 22 May. Various guidance on Step 3 in England.
9 May to 15 May. Various guidance on further easing of COVID restrictions confirmed for 17 May.
2 May to 8 May. Press Notice on relaxation of numbers in funerals in England.
25 April to 1 May. Relaxation of restrictions in Wales, RSCM update on singing.
18 April to 24 April. Changes to NI legislation, CofE guidance on APCMs.
11 April to 17 April. On going, including England move to “Step 2” are; COVID-19 advice for Ramadan.
4 April to 10 April. COVID-19 arrangements and funeral of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
28 March to 3 April. Updated guidance from CofE and CinW.
21 March to 27 March. Guidance for Holy Week and Easter.
14 March to 20 March. Weddings in England: “Step 2” relaxation of lockdown, Statement by UK Weddings Taskforce; places of worship and the latest Welsh Regulations; Guidance for Ramadan; extension of regulations in Wales and Scotland.
7 March to 13 March, Easing the lockdown in Scotland Easing the lockdown in England; Marriage law: forthcoming events; Book launch.
28 February to Saturday 6 March. And in Quires and Places where they sing (or not)….
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.

2020

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.

[Top of page]

L&RUK posts on specific issues

Vaccine Passports

Who may enter a parish church? 4 March 2019
Access to church buildings during lockdown, 7 May 2020
Churches during relaxation of lockdown – I, 27 May 2020
Vaccine passports and places of worship, 23 July 2021
Consultation for vaccine passports – England, 28 September 2021

* Material from the Coronavirus updates – index and subsequent versions have been incorporated, in a revised form, into this post. A copy of the version as at 16 December 21:46 is here.

‡The latest additions are added at the end of each group of items, with the exception of those from the Church of England, which reflect the order of the guidance documents on the Church’s web pages.

Post last updated, 21January 2022 at 14:57.

Cite this article as: David Pocklington, "COVID-19 Coronavirus: legislation and guidance" in Law & Religion UK, 16 September 2020, https://lawandreligionuk.com/2020/09/16/covid-19-coronavirus-legislation-and-guidance-ii/

Law & Religion UK

Issues of law and religion in the United Kingdom – with occasional forays further afield

COVID-19 Coronavirus: legislation and guidance

4 thoughts on “COVID-19 Coronavirus: legislation and guidance”

Leave a Reply Cancel reply