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As we are aware last weekend the regulations in Wales changed meaning most restrictions have now been lifted! However, we are being urged to “continue to be cautious and retain some transmission controls to varying degrees at varying times.” We are now required to complete Risk Assessments every 4 weeks, to monitor local transmission rates and adjust plans accordingly, meaning things could be ‘fluid’ over the weeks and months ahead.

This means that the following guidelines from the Welsh Government and the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales apply until further notice:

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(1)     The celebration of Mass:

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• Hand sanitiser continues to be provided at entrance and exits.

• We are required to co-operate with NHS Track & Trace, meaning our booking system is still in operation but it is not for booking purposes - it is an easier way for us to collect contact details, of course, you can leave your contact details at the door.

• Face coverings will remain mandatory for those over the age of 11 (unless you have a medical exemption), even whilst seated. This will be kept under review by the Welsh Government;

• We will maintain a standard of a good cleaning with attention to frequent touchpoints;

• Social distancing is no longer a legal requirement. However, some may wish to or may have been advised to remain especially cautious, and the Bishops have provided us with options on how to allow this. So in our churches, we will provide you with signs to place next to you should you wish to remain distanced. Please respect those who wish to maintain social distancing.

• Ventilation—we still need to ensure a good supply of fresh air circulating through the church by leaving windows (where possible) and doors open.

• Holy water stoups are to remain empty at this time. However, we have an 'automatic dispenser' of holy water at the entrance to St. Anne's church. Simply put your hand beneath the nozzle and a few drops of holy water will be dispensed.

• All usual ministers of the celebration of Holy Mass can now be deployed. The sanctuary party needs to maintain 1m distancing. (This will take effect from Sunday, 12th September 2021).

• Two readers may now be used at the Liturgy of the Word and sanitising of hands-on approach to the Lectern is sufficient (no gloves required).

• Holy Communion remains under one kind until further notice.

 

(2)     Other measures:

·        We must avoid congestion points in churches. People should exercise good responsible behaviour, especially when moving to receive Holy Communion during Mass and should avoid getting too close to each other, maintaining a minimum 1m distancing.

·        Parish Center facilities will aim to reopen in September. Risk Assessments and adaptations to make Covid secure are underway and will take weeks to complete.

·        Parish social activities (including tea and coffee) can be resumed, they will require a Risk Assessment for both the activity and the space being used.