Latest guidance on face coverings
"Our understanding is that Government hopes to be able to give the following advice:
Face coverings during worship
In England, face coverings are currently required by law to be worn in shops, supermarkets, indoor transport hubs, indoor shopping centres, banks, building societies, post offices and on public transport. From 8 August, face coverings are also required by law to be worn in a greater number of public indoor settings including places of worship, museums, galleries, cinemas and public libraries.
There are valid exemptions for some individuals and groups to not wear a face covering in these settings. In particular, those who are leading services or events in a place of worship, and those who assist them (for instance by reading, preaching, or leading prayer) do not always need to wear a face covering, although one should be worn especially if physical distancing cannot be maintained (i.e. distributing consumables). This exemption does not apply to worshippers, who should wear face coverings consistent with the requirements for any other public space.
Face coverings during weddings
In England, face coverings are currently required by law to be worn in shops, supermarkets, indoor transport hubs, indoor shopping centres, banks, building societies, post offices and on public transport. From 8 August, face coverings are also required by law to be worn in a greater number of public indoor settings including places of worship, registry offices, museums, galleries, cinemas and public libraries.
There are valid exemptions for some individuals and groups to not wear a face covering in these settings. In particular, those who are leading services or events in a place of worship. Those exemptions will also cover the bride and groom at a wedding and those officiating/leading the wedding. This exemption does not apply to those observing the wedding, who should wear face coverings consistent with the requirements for any other public space.
We plan to put these up on the Church of England website today as a FAQ later today and on social media. We will update all our advice over the next few days. If the Government has not produced its advice by Friday we will put up revised draft advice for Wearing Face Coverings and the Advice on Holy Communion on Friday, followed by all other updated advice after the Government advice is published."
Further guidance from the Church of England can be found here.
This guidance includes resources for prayer and liturgy, digital resources, and frequently asked questions. It is updated regularly, so please keep checking it.