MESSAGE TO MINISTERS, HOME MISSIONARIES, SESSION CLERKS, TREASURERS, COM SECRETARIES AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS.
IN THE GREATER SYDNEY REGION (INCLUDING WOLLONGONG, CENTRAL COAST AND BLUE MOUNTAINS).
Dear all,
The NSW Premier has today announced new COVID-19 restrictions across Greater Sydney effective from midday today, 6 May 2021 (enforceable from 5pm) until 12.01am Monday, 10 May 2021 (click here for full media release).
In respect of places of worship, the major change for this weekend is that congregants are not allowed to sing (with or without masks).
Although we are waiting to see the Public Health Order, the wording of today’s announcement refers to singing not being allowed by congregants who are indoors at a place of worship. We infer that this means that a performer or performers will be able to sing in front of the congregation, but will provide a further update on that detail when more information is at hand.
The wording of today’s announcement is also silent in respect to the wearing of masks in Church. At this time, we do not believe that it is compulsory to wear masks in places of worship. However, NSW Health has arranged to provide all religious communities a briefing tomorrow morning and we will send a further update after that meeting.
In respect of private residences, the NSW Premier has announced that for the next three days the maximum number of visitors to a private residence is 20 (including children). This may impact your Bible study group, so please take this into consideration.
We suggest that you take a moment to update your COVID-19 Safety Plan which can be completed online on the NSW Health website here. Alternatively, you can use the Word version attached, if you prefer. Please ensure that you have a copy of your Safety Plan on hand this Sunday. Also, please remember to continue with the collection of contact details for contact tracing purposes (using the QR code system or an alternative) for everyone who enters the building.
It is regrettable that these restrictions are required at this time – particularly as we celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday. It is our prayer that with vigilance in these things for the next few days, the spread of infection will be halted.
Please do not hesitate to contact us in Church Offices should you have any questions or require assistance in interpreting the restrictions to your local circumstances.
Kind regards,
Jeof Falls and Andrew Campbell (Moderator NSW)