Translation form

Section title block 1

Guidance on re-opening of churches for visitors

Button block 2

Guidance on re-opening of churches for visitors (PDF)

Text block 3

Please read the guidance below then download:

Button block 4

Part 2: Risk Assessment - AMBER 3 (Word)

Two column block 5

Re-opening Churches - private prayer and communal worship

The Representative Body of the Church in WalesCovid-19: Keeping People SafeA Self-Assessment Toolkit for re-opening ChurchesEDITION 2.5.1: AMBER PHASEUPDATE 25 SEPTEMBER 2020

Reopening churches - private prayer and communal worship (PDF)

Text block 6

Edition 2.5.1: Amber PhaseRe-opening for private prayer and communal worshipIntroductionThis guidance has been produced to help those responsible for managing churches assess their buildings and activities and develop a risk assessment to manage the risks posed by Coronavirus Covid-19.Places of Worship were closed by law in March 2020 and the Welsh Government has set out a broad framework for re-opening based on a ‘traffic-light’ approach as public health advice indicates the restrictions can be eased. The traffic lights are:Lockdown: Closure of places of worship with exceptions for funeral and cremationsRed: Opening of places of worship for private prayer under physical distancingAmber: Limit services and size of congregations linked to ability to ensure physical distancingGreen: All places open with full range of services alongside physical distancingThe details of re-opening in terms of precisely what will be permitted to happen in a place of worship at each stage will be defined under protocols being developed by Welsh Government.By law, those responsible for places of worship are required to take all reasonable measures to ensure that a 2-metre distance is maintained between persons on the premises. Physical distancing is the most fundamental principle in re-opening any church building. Other risk management measures relate to hygiene (hand washing, sanitising, personal protective equipment) and premises and equipment cleaning though the need for these will vary depending on the activity being undertaken.PART 1 of this guide is a checklist to help you to consider your situation and the appropriate steps to manage the risks presented by Covid-19. It has been developed to be a document that grows as each stage of relaxation is clarified. Take time to work through each of the questions, using the notes provided to help you answer them.PART 2 is a risk assessment template to enable you to record your proposed actions from the checklist. This should be approved by your Archdeacon (or other nominated person) and shared with your team so all are aware of the arrangements.Please Note: This guidance is to assist local churches with re-opening their building and reflects but does not substitute, Welsh Government legislation and guidance. Please see Welsh Government guidance

Section title block 7

PART 1: CHECKLIST

Text block 8

AMBER PHASE: OPENING OF PLACES OF WORSHIP FOR PRIVATE PRAYER AND COMMUNAL WORSHIP UNDER PHYSICAL DISTANCINGhttps://gov.wales/guidance-reopening-places-worship-coronavirus-htmlThis phase of re-opening gives the legal right for churches to be opened for individual or households to visit places of worship for:Private prayerCommunal worship including led prayers, devotions or meditationsHoly Communion subject to appropriate risk mitigation measures (see checklist below)Baptisms subject to appropriate risk mitigation measures (see checklist below)Funeral and marriage services (for invited guests only) can be undertaken and separate guidance on this is available here.The following gives a list of key steps to consider in preparation for this phase (but will largely be relevant to future phases). The local trustee body (PCC, MAC, LMAC) responsible for each place of worship has a legal responsibility to do all that it reasonably practicable to prevent people from coming to harm from Covid-19 (or any other hazard).

Section title block 9

SECTION 1: PREPARATIONS

Text block 10

NB Clergy, contractors and authorised volunteers of the PCC/MAC/LMAC are permitted by law to enter the building to make preparations for re-opening.

Faqs block 11

1. Do you need to open the church under this phase?

There is no obligation to open your church. You should only do so when you consider it is safe to do so. Your place of worship should remain closed if you are not satisfied that you are able to adhere to the requirements to maintain social distancing regulations. The risk control measures you will need to consider to open your church under this phase are substantial. There may be other churches (including other denominations) in your area better able to do this. You need to carefully consider clergy attending services at multiple churches and seek to minimise this where possible. You should discuss the principle of opening with your Archdeacon at an early stage as they will need to approved your risk assessment and opening arrangements. You will need to show a comprehensive approach to managing risks.

2. What opening arrangements will you adopt?

You need to decide when you will open the building. You should define which hours and days each week that the building will be open for private prayer and/or when services will take place. This will be closely linked to your ability to implement the risk control measures required. Do not be over-ambitious as it is vital that risk control measures are robust and workable. Remember that short hours will increase foot fall per hour, but long hours will require more volunteers. Advertising needs to be carefully considered so that you don’t create a demand you cannot manage. Services should be concluded in the shortest reasonable time and participants should be encouraged to return home promptly. Fellowship e.g post service coffee is not permitted.

3. Are there sufficient and suitable people to open the church safely?

The single most important risk control measure is maintaining a 2-metre physical distance between persons. You need to consider how you will ensure that is achieved. Whilst this will vary depending on the circumstances of each church, generally, the best way of ensuring this is to have stewards present to monitor and remind people. They can also provide a warm, Christian welcome.It will be necessary for people to open/close the building, direct people and undertake cleaning etc. Lone working should normally be avoided. The risks for any lone workers should be assessed and mitigated.You will need to check that none of your team are in a vulnerable group or are self-isolating. Please note:No one should feel obligated to return to a place of worship, even if they have a volunteering role that they would normally fulfil.PCCs/MACs should assess the vulnerability of volunteers/staff to Covid-19 using the Government’s advice at: Covid 19 Extremely Vulnerable People and Social-distancing-guidance.Those in the Extremely Vulnerable Group are advised not to consider employment or volunteering outside their homes.Those in other ‘at-risk’ groups should discuss their situation with the MAC to decide the type of work or voluntary activity they are able to perform. If the vulnerable person (e.g someone over 70) feels they are in good health and would wish to volunteer, it is reasonable to accept their service but careful thought should be given to appropriate duties, PPE etc. These might include roles that have maximum social distance or minimal direct contact with people.The Government has provided a workforce assessment tool; whilst this is for a healthcare setting, steps 1 and 2 may help you think about the vulnerability of individuals. It is available at:https://gov.wales/covid-19-workforce-risk-assessment-toolYou should put in place arrangements to confirm that each person involved in the opening of the church confirms they are (a) symptom free and (b) not subject to UK or Welsh Government advice to self-isolate.It is vital that all your team are fully trained and briefed on your management arrangements. Working through this checklist with them and sharing the risk assessment will be key.

4. Have you reviewed Test, Trace and Protect?

The Welsh Government Test, Trace, Protect strategy sets out the approach to tackling coronavirus, testing people with symptoms in the community, tracing those who have come into close contact with people who have tested positive for coronavirus and protecting family, friends and our community by self-isolating.All persons entering places of worship should be asked to complete a record of attendance which records their name, contact telephone number and date and time of visit but people cannot be required to do so. In the case of access to church halls or churches for permitted community activity and by general visitors, it is a requirement that attendees are recorded before being admitted. These records must be handled in accordance with GDPR to protect the individuals’ privacy. These records should be kept for 21 days after the event and then destroyed.A consent form can be found on the Test, Trace and Protect pageYou should also provide a revised privacy notice and templates can also be found on the Test, Trace and Protect page. There is a version if you collect this information in advance online rather than ‘at the door’. The ‘online’ privacy notice should be made available on your website, and the ‘at the door’ privacy notice should be available for inspection (perhaps on the table where people are completing forms and on the church noticeboard).The new NHS COVID-19 app is intended to help in this process but is not mandatory. The system involves the creation of a site specific QR code which allows people visiting to use the App. See:https://gov.wales/nhs-covid-19-app-guidance-businesses-and-organisationsThis system does not replace the physical recording of attendance set out above.It is recommended that all public church premises (including churches, halls, offices etc) should display such a QR code.Further Welsh Government guidance can be found here on how to maintain records and on compliance with GDPR.Further information about Test, Trace, Protect is available here.

5. Have you aired the building?

If the building hasn’t been visited often it is likely to be stuffy and musty. Arrange to open doors, vents etc and give the building a thorough airing.

6. Have you checked for general cleanliness or other maintenance issues?

The building may have built up dust and other debris including animal waste. Whilst clearly the risk of Covid-19 virus being on surfaces is very remote because the building has been closed, you should arrange for a thorough clean of surfaces etc. Check the grounds are tidy and safe.

7. Have you checked water systems?

These must be thoroughly flushed through before use to reduce the risk of legionella. See https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/legionella-risks-during-coronavirus-outbreak.htm

8. Have you checked electrical and heating systems?

These should be switched on and checked. If feasible, it would be a good time to get a suitably qualified contractor to undertake annual checks and servicing. Fans systems will circulate the air and therefore, potentially, any airborne virus, so use of these should be avoided.

9. Have you a stoup or font?

These should be emptied of water. Specific guidance on Baptisms is set out below.

10. Have you checked your fire risk assessment?

Review your fire procedures in the light of your proposed opening. Make sure fire extinguishers are serviced and in date.

11. How many people can attend a service/visit the church?

The numbers of people attending a service will depend on the capacity of your building to accommodate people whilst maintaining two-metre distancing. There is no legal limit on numbers, but numbers must be controlled to ensure two-metre distancing is maintained.

12. Do you intend celebrating Holy Communion?

Holy Communion should be in one kind only (bread). Those giving and receiving should wash/sanitise their hands before and after exchange and avoid contact between the parties where possible. The person administering the bread should release it into the hand only in such a way as to avoid any contact or wear gloves. If contact occurs, hand cleansing should be undertaken immediately. Detailed guidance is available at https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/clergy-andmembers/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance/guidance-celebrating-holy-communion

13. Do you anticipate conducting baptisms?

Government guidance confirms that only small volumes of water should be used and that full immersion should be avoided. Where practical others present should move out of range of any potential splashing and there should be no general sprinkling of water. Physical distancing should be observed where possible.Where an infant is involved, a parent/guardian or members of the infant’s regular or extended household should hold the infant. All individuals involved should thoroughly wash their hands before and after the baptism.Detailed guidance is available at https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/clergy-and-members/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance/guidance-conducting-baptisms

14. Worshipping Outdoors?

It is now possible to hold worship outdoors but only within church grounds under the control of the PCC/MAC. Such worship must still comply with 2 metre physical distancing requirements and hygiene arrangements as if the worship were within the building. A risk assessment should still be prepared if outdoor worship is contemplated.

15. Bellringing

Bell ringing is permissible, but bell ringers should observe two-metre physical distancing and hygiene and cleaning regimes should be implemented. Careful consideration of how bell ringers will access the building suitably distanced from other attendees needs consideration e,g different entry points or staggered arrival times. Bellringing arrangements should comply with guidance available from the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers at https://cccbr.org.uk/coronavirus/

16. Outdoor Activities

Regulations now permit gatherings of up to 30 people outdoors. There are no specific restrictions on the activities that people can gather for but physical distancing of two metres must be maintained between persons attending. Please see guidance below specifically in relation to choirs singing outdoors.

Faqs block 12

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL DISTANCING

1. How will you keep people apart when they enter/exit the building?

You must make every reasonable effort to encourage strict adherence with physical distancing from the moment people arrive on church grounds including car parks.Clearly, you cannot completely prevent people from deciding to get closer than 2 metres apart but you must use reasonable endeavours to do so. Reasonable measures might include:Clear signage on arrival into the grounds and around the church that two-metre distancing must be maintained. A standard template sign is available from the Church in Wales website.Signage reminding people who are symptomatic or have a member of their household who is symptomatic, to stay at home. A standard template sign is available from the Church in Wales website.The entrance/porch and exit doors are likely to be ‘pinch’ points. Stewards should be stationed at the entrance/exit to encourage compliance particularly where numbers of people are likely to be more than 10.Can you use different doors to enter and exit? Consider access for disabled people alongside this.Direct people to use different paths through the churchyard for entry and exit (if reasonably safe and accessible).

2. How will people keep apart when they move around the building

A one-way system around the church is a good way to help maintain distancingUse floor tape or simple barriers to keep people apart where they may be passing each otherCreate waiting areas (with floor tape) where people can stand to wait whilst others passRestrict access to smaller or unused areas of the church so you don’t create bottle-necks or dead-ends.

3. How will you seat people to maintain 2 metre distancing?

This is likely to be a challenging area for many churches.2 metre distancing is necessary in all directions around someone.For a church with pews, this could mean one person in every three or so rows. You will need to carefully measure your church’s layout to plan where people sit and the numbers of people your church can hold accordingly.It is worth stating the maximum seating capacity on a sign at the entrance to a church to remind everybody. Entrance stewards should keep count (use a clicker) of how many people enter/exit the building.Households can, of course, sit together. A pew or row of seats filled by a household may throw out your calculations over distance to other seat places. It could be worth designating an area of the church or certain pews for ‘household’ seating.Seating positions will need to be clearly marked. You could place signs on pews, use labels or perhaps space hassocks on pews to mark where not to sitIf you have moveable chairs, it will be easier to plan positioning of seats to maintain distancing. Consideration needs to be given if a household wishes to sit together and making sure seats don’t get moved as they are used.In placing seats or marking pew seat positions, you will need to think about how people will move to and from the seat.

Faqs block 13

SECTION 3: HYGIENE

1. Can you provide hand sanitiser/washing facilities?

It is vital that all people entering and leaving the building should wash/sanitise their hands.Provide hand sanitiser stations for all visitors.https://www.parishbuying.org.uk/index.php/categories/covid-19-supplies is one possible supplier.Toilets are a particular challenge and will need detailed planning. WG guidance is that toilets can be opened providing that physical distancing and hand hygiene guidance is followed. These areas should be cleaned regularly using normal cleaning products with particular attention to areas that are frequently touched such as door handles and taps. Suitable handwashing facilities should be available including running water and liquid soap. Drying should be by paper towels or hand dryers (not communal towels). Paper towels should be in a dispenser and disposed of carefully. Specific guidance is available at:https://gov.wales/providing-safer-toilets-public-use-coronavirus-htmlClear signage instructing people to sanitise their hands-on entry and exit should be erected.

2. What about Face Coverings?

From September 14 2020, it is a requirement that all persons aged over 11 (including ministers) gathering indoors should wear a face covering. This applies to all activities and services within the church.There are exceptions to the requirement to wear a face covering for medical reasons, and it is permitted to remove the covering “to communicate with another person who has difficulty communicating (in relation to speech, language or otherwise)”.Further guidance for the public is available at:https://gov.wales/face-coverings-guidance-publicand for premises managers at:https://gov.wales/face-coverings-guidance-measures-be-taken-employers-and-managers-premisesWelsh Government has provided the following further guidance on the wearing of face coverings:Do I have to wear a face covering when attending a religious service?Yes, places of worship are indoor public places and so the requirements will apply there as in other public place. We consider that those leading worship or a ceremony may have a reasonable excuse not to wear a face covering if they cannot effectively do so while wearing one, as long as they have taken other sufficient mitigations such as staying continually over 2 metres away from others and/or wearing a visor.Are face coverings required in wedding and civil partnership ceremonies?Guests will need to wear coverings, but given the importance to couples of the ceremony and the level of risk involved, we consider it is reasonable for the couple to remove their coverings for a kiss, for taking vows and for a “first dance”, as long as other measures are in place to protect people attending the ceremony from the risk of contracting coronavirus, for example, guests staying 2m away from the couple at all times.The public should be reminded of the requirement to wear a face covering and a standard sign can be found HERE

3. What other personal protective equipment will you provide?

It is recommended that stewards be provided with disposable gloves (non latex) and that they have access to sanitiser too. Gloves should be bagged at the end of each session and disposed of with waste collections. A flip-top pedal bin with liners is useful.PPE for cleaners is set out in the cleaning section below.

4. Do you have votive candles?

This is clearly a potential area of shared contact so should not be available at this time. Not only are they a point of shared contact and potential gathering but alcohol-based gels and naked flames do not mix.

5. Do you have devotional or similar communally handled objects?

Individuals should be prevented from making contact with such objects. Use barriers and signage.

6. Do you have displays, play or other equipment etc that might involve contact?

These should be removed or placed out of reach. The church can only be open for prayer so remove the temptation for other activities. Consider visitor books, shared pens, prayer cards, guides etc – these can all be handled by multiple people.

7. How will you provide prayer books/service sheets?

Books, reusable or communal resources should be removed from use. It is recommended these are single use sheets of paper located after the hand sanitising area. If you have projection facilities, this could be a good alternative. People might be encouraged to bring their own service books from https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/publications/order-books-online/. You might consider lending service books to regular attendees so they can bring their own each time.

8. What about food and drink?

No food or drink should be made available during or after the service.

9. Do you intend seeking donations from visitors?

Cash giving is discouraged at this time. Use online giving (Gift Direct) see https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/clergy-and-members/gift-direct/ where possible.Consider contactless card readers. See https://www.parishbuying.org.uk/categories/giving-and-paymentsIf cash payments are made, they should be handled wearing gloves and regular cleaning and hygiene maintained.

10. Ventilation?

Where practicable, non-fire doors and windows should be opened to improve ventilation.

11. What about music?

Welsh Government guidance states that activities such as singing or chanting should not take place given the increased risk of infection from these activities. Recorded music may be appropriate as an alternative to hymn singing. Music should not be at a volume that makes normal conversations difficult.Welsh Government guidance also states that you should not play musical instruments that are physically blown into e.g wind or brass instruments. However, a pipe organ can now be played as part of a worship, funeral or wedding service. The decision to use an organ (which requires a limited quantity of air to pass through the mechanism) should be based on a risk assessment and adherence with social distancing, hand hygiene and cleaning guidance. The use of alternative instruments such as an electronic keyboard or recorded music should still be considered.A pipe organ may also be played for practice or maintenance purposes when the building is closed to the public.NB Whilst the organ can be played, the congregation cannot sing with it. The organ can accompany an individual singer as described above.It is permissible for an individual to sing at a service where it is an essential part of the service. Such a singer should sing behind a plexi-glass screen to protect guests. Physical distancing should be observed at all times. It is possible for more than one individual to sing over the course of the service, but this should not be more than one at a particular time and there should be separate arrangements to protect from transmission e.g separate plexi screens or cleaning of screens between each use.Choirs of up to 30 people can gather to sing outdoors subject to maintaining 2 metre physical distancing. Raised voices including singing appear to be a risk factor for the spread of Covid-19. It is recommended that such organised singing activity is conducted after a careful risk assessment and that loud singing is avoided.See our Specific Guidance on Music and Organs (Word)

Faqs block 14

SECTION 4: CLEANING

1. What cleaning regime should you adopt?

Cleaning helps minimise the spread of Coronavirus Covid-19 so frequent cleaning of all surfaces especially those most frequently touched is important.Government guidance is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settingsThe guidance describes the cleaning required, the appropriate disposal of materials, the cleaning of equipment and hard surfaces and the PPE that should be worn.Cleaning should take place after each occasion the church is opened. Focus should be on hard surfaces where people might make contact particularly door handles. Soft furnishings should be minimised where possible as these are more challenging to clean.

2. Who undertakes your cleaning?

This is likely to be a rota of volunteers. You will need to check that none of your team are in a vulnerable group or are self-isolating. This might be an opportunity to put a call-out in your community for new volunteers to help.

3. What PPE will you provide for cleaners?

Follow the Government guidance at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settingsThe minimum PPE requirement is disposable gloves and an apron but the guidance should be carefully considered especially where there may be a greater risk of contamination.Face coverings should be worn when people are indoors.

4. What cleaning materials will you use?

Suitable cleaning materials provided, depending on materials and if historic surfaces are to be cleaned.A possible supplier is:https://www.parishbuying.org.uk/index.php/categories/covid-19-suppliesWelsh Government recommend the following guidance on the cleaning of historic surfaces and materials at: https://historicengland.org.uk/coronavirus/historic-places/cleaning-historic-surfaces/?dm_t=0,0,0,0,0

5. What if a confirmed Covid-19 case has visited?

The building should be closed for at least 72 hours after which the building should be thoroughly cleaned in accordance with government guidance.Promote a clear point of contact for anyone who develops symptoms after a visit to the church.

Section title block 15

PART 2: RISK ASSESSMENT: RE-OPENING FOR PRIVATE (PERSONAL) PRAYER

Call to action block 16

Having worked through the checklist, complete the risk assessment proforma below. This should be approved and dated by an authorised representative of the PCC/MAC/LMAC. The completed form should be approved by your Archdeacon.

Download: Risk assessment template - AMBER 3.0 (Word)

Text block 17

Safety posters for use in your Church are available to download in the Covid-19 Publications section.