COVID rules relaxed – but face coverings remain

As you may already know, the First Minister has announced that all parts of the country will move to
level zero on Monday 19th July. From this date the 2m physical distancing rule for places of worship,
and other indoor spaces will be reduced to 1m. Congregational singing is permitted in levels 0 and 1
so parishes that aren’t already in either of these levels can ‘enjoy’ congregational singing once more.

As a result, the tapes limiting people to 2m sittings in the churches will be removed and the hymn
books brought back so that people can pick them up for singing during the liturgy. Booking for Sunday
Masses will no longer be necessary but names will still be taken on arrival for track and trace
purposes. But please, note that face coverings must still be worn in churches.