On Monday 14th September, the Government announced that it is now against the law to gather in groups of more than six people, unless you are covered by an exemption.
The emphasis of these changes is that everyone, at all times, needs to limit social contact as much as possible in light of the daily case numbers rising rapidly and across the country.
But it is important to note the rule of six does not impact significantly on communal worship. There can be more than six people undertaking communal worship, prayer or study, or informal support groups, provided that people do not mingle outside of a group of six people. The total number of people attending worship is still limited by how many people can socially distance within the venue. Everyone should continue to practise social distancing when mixing with people they don’t live with, even within a group of six.
Weddings, funerals and life-cycle events remain capped at 30 people – at these events people can socialise with more than six people up to 30, but everyone should still socially distance from anyone they do not live with. However, it is important to be aware that the cap of 30 is now set out in law, rather than just guidance, this means that there can be fines where the rule of 30 is not adhered to.
Click HERE for guidance on the safe use of places of worship