Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Legal restrictions brought in during the pandemic have come to an end across England on Monday 19th July 2021; however, both the Church of England and HM Government have issued advice to churches on how to manage future months.

After considering the guidance received, the Parish of All Saints’ Houghton Regis has implemented (or retained) the following measures.

Face coverings and social distancing
People are required to wear them indoors (unless medically exempt). This policy is in line with both the Government’s and the Church of England’s advice.
Seating arrangements implemented during the lockdowns at both All Saints’ and St Thomas’ to facilitate social distancing remain unchanged.

Hand Sanitising
Hand gel stations are available in both churches. Please, sanitise your hands on entering and exiting the buildings.

Test and Trace and Checking-In
The QR codes used at All Saints’ and St Thomas’ to check-in using the NHS app remain in place. Please make use of these during your visits.

Ventilation
With fewer restrictions in place ventilation of our buildings during worship becomes all the more important. Main doors and certain windows will be open during services, save in extreme circumstances.

Singing
Evidence shows that aerosol particles are emitted by singers in greater quantities than if they were speaking. Therefore, masks should be worn by anyone in the congregation intending to sing (with an exception we can make for choir members), while social distancing will enable us to minimise the risk of transmitting the virus.

Mass and Distribution of Holy Communion
Holy Communion will continue to be distributed in one kind only.
The Sacrament will continue be distributed to the faithful in the nave, and to choir members and servers from their places.

Sign of Peace
The liturgical exchange of peace which takes place at Mass will remain in the form of a hand wave to safeguard those who need to (or prefer to) keep at a safe distance from others.

Refreshments after Mass
Refreshments after services can be served again.

Bellringing
Ringing with a full number of ringers can resume, as can ringing practice. Ringers are expected to wear face masks whilst indoors.

Updated 1 January 2022
Created 18 March 2020