COVID-19, the C of E General Synod, the CDM 2003, the Latin mass, same-sex marriage, hijabs – and The Two Ronnies.

Lifting COVID-19 restrictions in Scotland and Wales

On Tuesday, Nicola Sturgeon announced that Scotland is to move to level zero of the COVID-19 restrictions on 19 July but that the mandatory use of face coverings is to remain in place for “some time” as a result of the spread of the Delta variant. The move to level zero means that more people will be allowed to meet indoors and to attend weddings and funerals, but limits on outdoor meetings will be maintained and the return of workers to offices is to be delayed. She added that she still hoped that Scotland could move beyond level zero from 9 August – the point at which the Scottish Government was aiming to end most legal restrictions.

On Wednesday, the Welsh Government announced that most COVID restrictions will be lifted from 7 August, with the ending of legal limits on the number of people who can meet others. Social-distancing laws indoors will be replaced with a requirement for workplaces to conduct risk assessments, but face masks will still be required in most indoor public places other than in hospitality businesses such as pubs and restaurants – and people will be expected to continue working from home wherever possible.

Step 4 guidance for England (and even legislation!) Continue reading →