05/12/21 Coronavirus Update

St Michael's is continuing to follow all guidance carefully where Coronavirus is concerned.

Recent weeks have brought growing concern about the Omicron Variant of the virus. 

In accordance with guidelines from Blackburn Diocese, we are now recommending that you wear a face covering to church services. Please note that, if you are exempt, you are still absolutely welcome in Church without a face covering.

The text of the Diocesan guidance is given below:

In light of the change in government guidance the task group is recommending that churches review their risk assessments and seriously consider reintroducing the wearing of masks during indoor, in-person public worship. This is not a legal requirement and so cannot be enforced by parishes, but we are strongly encouraging this course of action until further notice. As previously, those leading services or reading may wish to remove their face covering to enable effective communication, particularly for those who rely on lip reading. In addition, churches may feel it appropriate to reinforce the message about hands – face - space – ventilation by encouraging the use of hand sanitiser when entering and leaving the building. Once again, the importance of ensuring as much ventilation as possible in the church building during and after a church service should not be underestimated.