Face Coverings in Church – An Update (07.08.20)

As you may be aware, the guidance regarding wearing a face covering has been updated in line with government legislation. It is now a legal requirement to wear a face covering in enclosed spaces including places of worship.

There are some exemptions. If you are leading the service or taking part in the service i.e. intercessions or readings, you are not required to wear a mask whilst you are carrying out these duties. This is to aid communication and enable those who rely on lip reading to be able to have full access to the service.

As with the previous guidance, children under the age of 11 are not required to wear a mask. Those who are unable to put on, wear or take off a mask by themselves due to mental or physical illness or disability are also exempt.

The full guidance including what constitutes a face covering, how to clean reusable face coverings, further exemptions as well as reasoning behind wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces can be read here.