Ruadhán Jones
Arlene Foster The North’s First Minister Arlene Foster has insisted that there is no evidence that the upsurge in coronavirus is linked to places of worship.
The Northern Ireland Executive has today agreed a range of significant interventions in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the region.
As part of the restrictions, churches will remain open and liturgies will continue subject to the guidance in place and informed by the risk assessment already carried out by churches.
Mrs Foster insisted speaking on BBC Radio Ulster today that freedom of worship is a fundamental right which the authorities are determined to uphold.
“There is no evidence that there is transmission of the virus in places of worship,” she said. Mrs Foster said that “freedom of worship is a fundamental right that we all want to protect…in terms of going to church, people are very responsible: wearing masks, social distancing, abiding by all the regulations – that is why we are not interfering with basic right of freedom of worship,” she told Talkback.
This means that churches can continue to hold Masses with congregation sizes based on the capacity of the building with social distancing measures in place. The limit on gatherings of 15 people does not apply to churches, according to guidelines released.
In addition, it is now mandatory that face coverings be worn when entering and exiting churches. This is in addition to the continuing recommendation from Church leaders that face coverings be worn inside churches.
The attendance at funerals and weddings will be limited to 25 persons from Monday October 19, and post-ceremony receptions will not be permitted.