Face Coverings in Church (updated 7th August)

25th July 2020

From 8th August the Government is making it mandatory (compulsory) to wear face coverings in church. Exemptions, as below, are still valid.

Guidance has been issued on face coverings in Church, see below.

Details are available on the notice board in the church foyer.

Church of England Guidance on Face Coverings in Church 

Face coverings should be worn by all those attending a place of worship where there may be other people present; remembering that they are mainly intended to protect other people, not the wearer, from coronavirus (COVID-19) and that they are not a replacement for social distancing and regular hand washing.

Exemptions from wearing face coverings:                                                                                                                         You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to.                                                                         This includes:

  • young children under the age of 11
  • not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
  • if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
  • if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
  • to eat or drink
  • to take medication
  • If speaking with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound.
  • those leading services, and those who assist them (eg reading, leading prayers)