On 8 December 2021, the Prime Minister confirmed that England would move to “Plan B” following the rapid spread of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) in the UK. Early analysis had suggested that cases could be doubling at a rate of as little as 2.5 to 3 days. Plan B would include: mandatory face coverings in most public indoor venues, other than hospitality; an NHS Covid Pass would be required in specific settings;  and people would be advised to work at home, where possible.

On 9 December the Church of England published the 13-page COVID-19 Opening and managing church buildings, v 2.3, (“the Church guidance”), an update on version 2.2 which had been been revised to take into account the additional measures with face coverings which apply to places of worship. This was accompanied by the Press Release Release: Hope at the heart of Christmas: Bishop of London’s message as second pandemic Christmas approaches. This post provides a brief summary of the legislation underpinning this advice. Continue reading →