Page last updated - 28 March, 2021 

Safeguarding Policy

Covid 19  - 21st March 2021

Different Choices at different churches

Each church council continue to monitor and evaluate the requirements for their local situation.

Some of our churches are limited by space and other factors not applicable to other buildings.

Please follow the guidance of the Stewards at each church as they will have up to date information that can change quickly.

Limits

There are limits on numbers attending for different types of service and there will be social distancing requirements in place. You may need to book a place in advance.

33% Don’t know they are carrying the virus

Up to a third of people carrying and spreading the Covid virus have no symptoms

For this reason restrictions remain in place even for those who have had vaccine.

Face Covering

The UK (English) government has stated that a face covering must be worn unless you are exempt.

These should cover your mouth and nose without gaps.

Face shields

 can be worn as an additional level of protection for the wearer

Wearing only a face shield does not meet the requirement to wear a face covering.

The main Covid symptoms are

●    a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

●    a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

●    a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

If you, your close contacts have one or more symptoms or have been told you should isolate you should not come to church.

Don't feel obliged to attend church.

If your health or the health condition of those with whom you live make you more susceptible to Covid or you are greatly concerned at the present situation, please do not feel obliged to attend just because your local church is open.  We would rather members be well and we will arrange alternatives for you if you let the church know.

Covid 19 Record

We are required to keep a record of those attending church should anyone test positive for Covid 19
GDPR means this information can not be used for any other purpose and the record will be deleted after the stipulated waiting time.  If you use the NHS Track and Trace App there is a QR code poster in each church.