COVID-19 update
Risk Assessment following outbreak of CV19
St Michael’s church, Thorpe-le-Soken
Amendment to Risk Assessment dated 11.12.21
Singing may resume from now on but must be done whilst wearing face masks. Notices will be displayed as a reminder.
This may be reviewed at any time, depending on government guidelines or consideration for safety.
23rd December 2021
Updated December 11, 2021
This risk assessment is to be read together with the current advice and guidelines from the Department of Health, information issued by the Church of England at national level and the Diocesan guidelines issued locally. A parish covid risk assessment will continue to be in place and updated in line with changes to either regulations or medical advice. This will be reviewed from 23rd December 2021.
The principal services at Saint Michael’s church are the Sunday and Wednesday parish Mass.
With the new Omicron variant of the virus, infection rates are currently increasing and it is still possible to catch and spread COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated. The virus continues to be a threat to groups and individuals. As the Christian, gathered community in this place we will safeguard the health and well-being of all who attend this church and endeavour to promote a sound example of Christian regard for others during a pandemic. Restricted practices will continue to be strongly encouraged unless and until they are proved to be unnecessary for the safety of all (not just the majority).
Face coverings are at present mandatory and must be worn unless exempt. The only other exemptions are the celebrant or those giving a reading. Social distancing and spacing between pews are encouraged and there will be notices displayed to remind people. Sanitising hands and all previous precautions are strongly recommended.
There is no restriction on the numbers attending the Parish Mass. There is a section in church reserved for those who wish to remain socially distanced but, for the time being and until further notice, this should apply to the whole church.
Frequently touched surfaces and well used areas such as entrances should still be regularly cleaned using appropriate materials, with particular care taken if surfaces are historic.
You are at higher risk of catching or passing on COVID-19 in crowded and enclosed spaces, where there are more people who might be infectious and where there is limited fresh air. The contamination of air increases where there is little or no ventilation so, prior to the services, the windows will be open. As the cold weather has arrived, this is more of a problem - the windows will be open (or partly open) if possible during the service, but there is already a certain amount of natural ventilation (draughts). This will allow a flow of air into the church building.
Although government guidance states that: “Airborne transmission is a very significant way that the virus circulates. It is possible to be infected by someone you don’t have close contact with, especially if you’re in a crowded and/or poorly ventilated space”, there is no ban on singing. However, this seems to be rather contradictory, so congregational singing will be put on hold until the next review.
Entry to the church will be via the north door. The inner doors will be open to try as far as possible to avoid a bottle neck. Preventive distancing is encouraged and everyone should ensure adequate, safe, space and discretion around others.
Upon entering the church building Parishioners will be encouraged to use the hand sanitising liquid provided and also when they leave the building. Signing in will no longer be necessary.
A paper service sheet, intended to be taken away and not reused, is provided at each Sunday service. No-one other than the member of the congregation taking the sheet will have the need to touch the service sheet. The laminated Mass sheets will not be touched for at least 72 hours afterwards.
Cash offerings will continue to be collected in a receptacle near the door, rather than passing it around, and will be placed in the safe afterwards for at least 72 hours to minimize infection.
Sunday School will be suspended until such time that it is deemed appropriate to restart. Children should be encouraged to bring along their own toys and books. Young children should be supervised by a parent/guardian and appropriate hygiene precautions followed.
The celebrant may prepare for each service himself but, if others assist in preparing the elements before or during the service, then hand hygiene and physical distancing precautions should apply. At the distribution, Holy Communion will continue to be administered in silence.
The celebrant will use soap and hot water to wash his hands prior to Mass to the current guidelines of 20 seconds. Guidance on handwashing will be placed at the sink.
The Celebrant will use sanitising liquid before the preparation of the altar at the offertory. The priest will also use sanitising liquid before distributing the Host.
The congregation must remain in their places for the Peace and should not shake hands with other members of the congregation.
The distribution of communion will continue to take place standing at the chancel steps. Members of the congregation should queue in line giving adequate distance. Only the celebrant will receive communion in both kinds and the congregation will continue to receive communion in only one kind which will placed into the hand only. After they have received the Host, members of the congregation should return to their seats via the side aisle (past the eagle) ensuring that they maintain the appropriate distancing. If during administration of communion the priest’s hand touches those of a communicant, then both should immediately use hand sanitiser.
Those members of the congregation who receive communion in their seat should be asked to sit at the end of the row. This will allow the Celebrant to administer communion without having to pass anyone in the row.
When there is a service such as a baptism with people who are not familiar with steps being taken to ensure people’s safety, the celebrant will briefly explain the arrangements for the distribution of communion.
If the priest is the only person who will touch the chalice and paten both during the service and after, then they can be cleaned in the normal way. If others may touch the chalice and/or paten, either during the service or after, then they should either be washed in warm water with liquid soap, or if this is not possible, stored safely on their own for at least 72 hours before using again.
Those who are vulnerable should be respected at all times and not approached nor engaged in conversation without a face covering and exercising preventive measures.
Sunday refreshments will be served from the door of the Community Room. People should take their drinks into the main body of the church and follow appropriate distancing procedures. Disposable cups will be used and thrown away after use.
The priest will not shake hands with members of the congregation as they depart. Should any member of the congregation wish to speak to the priest at the end of the service, this could be conducted outside and away from other people to provide both social distancing and a degree of confidentiality.
The toilet will be open but worshippers should be encouraged to use the facilities at home before arriving, wherever possible. Liquid soap, paper towels, anti-bacterial wipes, hand gel and a disposal bin are available. The supply of these are monitored to ensure that they are always available. The bin should be emptied after each service. Guidance showing how to wash hands correctly is placed above the sink. The toilet area will be cleaned after each service, provided it has been used.
The statues of Our Lady remain in place. The candles will be placed individually on a table and not in a bunch, so only one candle at a time needs to be touched.
Holy water for personal devotion will not be available (yet)
Occasional Services (Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals)
There are none until the next review of this Risk Assessment.
Equality Act 2010
Under the terms of, and to comply with, the Equality Act 2010 we have put measures in place so we are able to provide equal and safe access to all.
We continue with individual responsibility to reduce the risk of transmission as the virus remains active in the community. This risk assessment is continually reviewed and its sole purpose is to keep us all safe.
11th December 2021
St Michael’s church, Thorpe-le-Soken
Amendment to Risk Assessment dated 11.12.21
Singing may resume from now on but must be done whilst wearing face masks. Notices will be displayed as a reminder.
This may be reviewed at any time, depending on government guidelines or consideration for safety.
23rd December 2021
Updated December 11, 2021
This risk assessment is to be read together with the current advice and guidelines from the Department of Health, information issued by the Church of England at national level and the Diocesan guidelines issued locally. A parish covid risk assessment will continue to be in place and updated in line with changes to either regulations or medical advice. This will be reviewed from 23rd December 2021.
The principal services at Saint Michael’s church are the Sunday and Wednesday parish Mass.
With the new Omicron variant of the virus, infection rates are currently increasing and it is still possible to catch and spread COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated. The virus continues to be a threat to groups and individuals. As the Christian, gathered community in this place we will safeguard the health and well-being of all who attend this church and endeavour to promote a sound example of Christian regard for others during a pandemic. Restricted practices will continue to be strongly encouraged unless and until they are proved to be unnecessary for the safety of all (not just the majority).
Face coverings are at present mandatory and must be worn unless exempt. The only other exemptions are the celebrant or those giving a reading. Social distancing and spacing between pews are encouraged and there will be notices displayed to remind people. Sanitising hands and all previous precautions are strongly recommended.
There is no restriction on the numbers attending the Parish Mass. There is a section in church reserved for those who wish to remain socially distanced but, for the time being and until further notice, this should apply to the whole church.
Frequently touched surfaces and well used areas such as entrances should still be regularly cleaned using appropriate materials, with particular care taken if surfaces are historic.
You are at higher risk of catching or passing on COVID-19 in crowded and enclosed spaces, where there are more people who might be infectious and where there is limited fresh air. The contamination of air increases where there is little or no ventilation so, prior to the services, the windows will be open. As the cold weather has arrived, this is more of a problem - the windows will be open (or partly open) if possible during the service, but there is already a certain amount of natural ventilation (draughts). This will allow a flow of air into the church building.
Although government guidance states that: “Airborne transmission is a very significant way that the virus circulates. It is possible to be infected by someone you don’t have close contact with, especially if you’re in a crowded and/or poorly ventilated space”, there is no ban on singing. However, this seems to be rather contradictory, so congregational singing will be put on hold until the next review.
Entry to the church will be via the north door. The inner doors will be open to try as far as possible to avoid a bottle neck. Preventive distancing is encouraged and everyone should ensure adequate, safe, space and discretion around others.
Upon entering the church building Parishioners will be encouraged to use the hand sanitising liquid provided and also when they leave the building. Signing in will no longer be necessary.
A paper service sheet, intended to be taken away and not reused, is provided at each Sunday service. No-one other than the member of the congregation taking the sheet will have the need to touch the service sheet. The laminated Mass sheets will not be touched for at least 72 hours afterwards.
Cash offerings will continue to be collected in a receptacle near the door, rather than passing it around, and will be placed in the safe afterwards for at least 72 hours to minimize infection.
Sunday School will be suspended until such time that it is deemed appropriate to restart. Children should be encouraged to bring along their own toys and books. Young children should be supervised by a parent/guardian and appropriate hygiene precautions followed.
The celebrant may prepare for each service himself but, if others assist in preparing the elements before or during the service, then hand hygiene and physical distancing precautions should apply. At the distribution, Holy Communion will continue to be administered in silence.
The celebrant will use soap and hot water to wash his hands prior to Mass to the current guidelines of 20 seconds. Guidance on handwashing will be placed at the sink.
The Celebrant will use sanitising liquid before the preparation of the altar at the offertory. The priest will also use sanitising liquid before distributing the Host.
The congregation must remain in their places for the Peace and should not shake hands with other members of the congregation.
The distribution of communion will continue to take place standing at the chancel steps. Members of the congregation should queue in line giving adequate distance. Only the celebrant will receive communion in both kinds and the congregation will continue to receive communion in only one kind which will placed into the hand only. After they have received the Host, members of the congregation should return to their seats via the side aisle (past the eagle) ensuring that they maintain the appropriate distancing. If during administration of communion the priest’s hand touches those of a communicant, then both should immediately use hand sanitiser.
Those members of the congregation who receive communion in their seat should be asked to sit at the end of the row. This will allow the Celebrant to administer communion without having to pass anyone in the row.
When there is a service such as a baptism with people who are not familiar with steps being taken to ensure people’s safety, the celebrant will briefly explain the arrangements for the distribution of communion.
If the priest is the only person who will touch the chalice and paten both during the service and after, then they can be cleaned in the normal way. If others may touch the chalice and/or paten, either during the service or after, then they should either be washed in warm water with liquid soap, or if this is not possible, stored safely on their own for at least 72 hours before using again.
Those who are vulnerable should be respected at all times and not approached nor engaged in conversation without a face covering and exercising preventive measures.
Sunday refreshments will be served from the door of the Community Room. People should take their drinks into the main body of the church and follow appropriate distancing procedures. Disposable cups will be used and thrown away after use.
The priest will not shake hands with members of the congregation as they depart. Should any member of the congregation wish to speak to the priest at the end of the service, this could be conducted outside and away from other people to provide both social distancing and a degree of confidentiality.
The toilet will be open but worshippers should be encouraged to use the facilities at home before arriving, wherever possible. Liquid soap, paper towels, anti-bacterial wipes, hand gel and a disposal bin are available. The supply of these are monitored to ensure that they are always available. The bin should be emptied after each service. Guidance showing how to wash hands correctly is placed above the sink. The toilet area will be cleaned after each service, provided it has been used.
The statues of Our Lady remain in place. The candles will be placed individually on a table and not in a bunch, so only one candle at a time needs to be touched.
Holy water for personal devotion will not be available (yet)
Occasional Services (Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals)
There are none until the next review of this Risk Assessment.
Equality Act 2010
Under the terms of, and to comply with, the Equality Act 2010 we have put measures in place so we are able to provide equal and safe access to all.
We continue with individual responsibility to reduce the risk of transmission as the virus remains active in the community. This risk assessment is continually reviewed and its sole purpose is to keep us all safe.
11th December 2021
