The Bishops have received some advice from the Ministry of Health on singing in congregational settings and have also received new guidelines for religious gatherings.

Singing 

Ministry of Health clinicians have advised the following:

"The risk of transmitting the Covid 19 infection is likely to be increased by singing within a group setting. The increased risk relates to the increased force and quantity of exhaled air, through vibrating vocal cords. The additional risk of disease transmission through singing is currently low, due to the low incidence of the Covid 19 virus in New Zealand, and can be managed by current level 2 recommendations. Additional physical distancing could be considered to further mitigate the risk of transmission."

We are suggesting that churches take a pragmatic approach to this as they move towards limited opening in level 2. You may want to discuss this with your congregation at the beginning of each service.

Some have already made a decision to not have congregational singing, but listen to recorded singing or have one or two people leading with appropriate physical distancing i.e. 2 metres of clear space around each singer. Others may still want to sing, but it is important that people are aware of this advice and make sure they are comfortable when doing so i.e. that they have enough space around them. Usually people are encouraged to "sing up and sing out", but at the moment quieter, more reflective singing could be more appropriate. 

Guidelines for Religious Gatherings

These have now been released and are attached below or are available via this webpage. They apply after midday on Friday 29 May.

To date, most of what we have suggested people include in their Action Plans concurs with this advice. The main difference is that there is mention of hospitality, which generally we have not been encouraging at Level 2. We are working on further guidelines around this which we will release as soon as we are able. Also, the Government is recommending in your contact information you are keeping that along with a record of everyone who attends "if possible this should include who sat (or stood) where. This is needed in case someone becomes unwell and tracing is required".

Please think about how you may do this - one option could be to take a photograph when a service commences so you can identify who was where if this level of detail is required.