Q: How do I know if I am a COVID-19 contact? Who is a contact?
A: The government defines a contact as: “a person who has been close to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. You can be a contact anytime from 2 days before the person who tested positive developed their symptoms, and up to 10 days after, as this is when they can pass the infection on to others.
A contact can be:
· anyone who lives in the same household as someone with COVID-19 symptoms or who has tested positive for COVID-19
· anyone who has had any of the following types of contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 with a PCR test:
· face-to-face contact including being coughed on or having a face-to-face conversation within one metre
· been within one metre for one minute or longer without face-to-face contact
· sexual contacts
· been within 2 metres of someone for more than 15 minutes (either as a one-off contact, or added up together over one day)
· travelled in the same vehicle or a plane”
Q: How many people can attend Mass at any given time?
A: The government has recommended the following:
• Communal worship: We urge you to follow the guidelines particularly the seating arrangements which have been arranged following our risk assessments.
• Weddings: Currently wedding ceremonies must only take place with up to 6 people and these should only take place in exceptional circumstances. Further guidance about weddings can be accessed from here.
• Funerals: The guidance suggests that there must be no more than 30 people in attendance. Further guidance about funerals can also be accessed from here.
•Baptisms or confirmation ceremonies: there should be no more than 6 people in attendance unless this takes place during routine communal worship. Further guidance can be accessed from here.
Q: Why do I have to wear a face mask?
A: Wearing a face mask and social distancing reduces the risk of transmission as COVID-19 usually spreads by droplets from coughs, sneezes and when speaking.
Q: Why do I need to complete the NHS Contact tracing card when attending our church buildings?
A: As explained in this guidance, this is in line with our government guidance to keep an accurate temporary record of attendees or visitors for at least 21 days, in a way that will enable our church to assist the NHS Test and Trace with requests for that data if needed for contact tracing and the investigation of local outbreaks.
Q: How many days do l need to self-isolate after exposure or after having been in contact with a person who has just tested positive to COVID-19. Is it 7 days, 10 days or 14 days?
Q: How often is the church being cleaned?
A: We rely solely on our volunteers and stewards who ensure that the church is cleaned and sanitised after every Mass.
Q: What advice is there about the COVID-19 Vaccination?
A: Please follow the link here.
Q: What support is available if I am still struggling with some residual symptoms from COVID-19?
A: Please do consider additional help and support from your GP and consider these alternative resources:
References:
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (Covid-19) infection who do not live with the person Accessed online on 07/01/2021
Symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) - NHS (www.nhs.uk) Accessed online on 07/01/2021
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make one - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Accessed online on 07/01/2021
Mass: COVID-19 Guidance Accessed online on 08/01/2021
NHS Test and Trace (phe.gov.uk) Accessed online on 09/01/2021