Guidance on gatherings
- If you are meeting family and friends, try to keep at least two metres apart from those outside your household.
- You should only be meeting in groups of upto two households indoors and outdoors, or upto six people from different households when outdoors, and should maintain social distancing.
- It is not illegal under coronavirus legislation to pray in a public outdoor space, however it should follow social distancing guidelines.
- Those guidelines mean that individual groups should not interact with anyone outside of the group they are attending the gathering with - so in a group no larger than two households, or six people if outdoors.
- Where food or drink is essential to the act of worship, they can be used. However, the sharing of food should be avoided as should the use of communal vessels. If you’re sharing food and drink, hands should be washed before and after consumption.
- If you or anyone in your household has any Covid-19 symptoms - a new continuous cough, high temperature or change in your normal sense of taste or smell - please stay at home with your household and get a test. Visit nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
Guidance on attending places of worship
- If you are planning to visit your local mosque, please contact them ahead of time to see if they have any guidance about arrival, transport or entry times.
- Carry out any washing rituals prior to arrival.
- It is advised that you wear a face covering in any enclosed public space, unless you are exempt from doing so due to an age, health or disability related reason.
- Use hand sanitiser or wash your hands before you enter and after you leave. Use tissues if you need to cough or sneeze and throw them away immediately.
- Follow social distancing guidelines and limit conversation and contact with anyone outside your group.
- Avoid touching anything that has been used by others.
- With your consent, your mosque may ask for your name and contact details to help with test and trace, and to manage the risk of the virus re-emerging.
The government has also published guidance for safe use of places of worship.
