Preparation for returning to ‘Church’
These are just summary headings for some of the things that we need to do. Whilst the Select Vestry will be taking a lead in completing the preparations, we will need a significant number of volunteers to not only get the set-up done but also to sustain these additional tasks over the coming weeks and months.
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We have to develop a COVID 19 plan, including all risk assessments, identifying who is taking responsibility and give evidence that this is being done. For example, we would have to have a plan in place for dealing with someone arriving in church who displays symptoms of COVID 19.
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We need to make it clear as to who should not attend, and we have to provide a clear and unambiguous statement - this has to be displayed outside our Churches
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We have to provide clear guidelines as to how our services are to be conducted - it will not be ‘business as usual’. There will need to be changes made to some long-established practices
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We need to help folk realise that it is ok not to come to Church just because its open.
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We need to have Public Health signage displayed at entrances, but in a way that prevents a bottle neck of people
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We need to provide marking to promote 2m social distancing.
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We have to have hand sanitiser, tissues and closed pedal operated bins.
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We need to give our Churches a good clean before every service and ensure all hard surfaces are cleaned.
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All soft furnishings must be removed.
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Seating must be clearly marked and arranged. Our churches will not be able to accommodate a normal full congregation.
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There has to be training held for all stewards and Church Wardens in the Parish
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All employees and Readers are required to complete a ‘Return to Work’ form which has to be sent to the Diocese - it is also advised that volunteers complete these for parish records.