MESSAGE TO MINISTERS, HOME MISSIONARIES, SESSION CLERKS, TREASURERS, COM SECRETARIES AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS.
IN THE GREATER SYDNEY REGION (INCLUDING ILLAWARRA AND BLUE MOUNTAINS).
Dear All,
The Premier of NSW has announced new COVID-19 restrictions for the Greater Sydney region (media release attached).
In summary, the following restrictions apply until 12:01am on Thursday morning, 1 July 2021.
Face Masks
Wearing face masks is compulsory in indoor settings across Greater Sydney. This includes places of worship. The regulations state that a face mask may be removed for a time if “the removal of the fitted face covering is necessary for the proper provision of the goods or service” or if “the person is at work and the nature of the person’s work… means clear enunciation or visibility of the person’s mouth is essential.” We understand that this means that a minister or the person doing announcements can remove their mask while speaking from the front of the church service.
Singing
Singing by audiences at indoor places of worship is not allowed. We cannot currently verify whether singers at the front of the congregation are allowed, and will provide a further update if and when we can confirm.
4sqm Rule
The capacity of your church will be determined by using the one person per 4 square metre rule. This will apply to worship services as well as funerals or weddings. Please promote physical distancing, maintaining 1.5m between people from different households.
Sunday School and Youth Group
All regular children’s and youth ministries are considered education programs for physical distancing requirements. This includes Sunday school, creche, preschool groups, playgroups, children’s groups and youth groups. Young people aged 0-18 do not need to follow strict adult physical distancing guidelines but should follow good hygiene practices. Staff (leaders) should continue to maintain 1.5m physical distancing from students where practical.
Morning Tea
The restrictions state that it is not allowable to be “drinking while standing at indoor venues”. This relates most directly to restaurants and other establishments, however you may take this into consideration when planning morning tea after church this Sunday.
Visitors to Homes
In respect of private residences, the NSW Premier has announced that for the next week, the maximum number of visitors to a private residence is 5 (including children). This is likely to impact your Bible study group, so please take this into consideration.
Please note that these changes relate only to churches in Greater Sydney Region, and our colleagues in regional churches and the ACT are not affected by these restrictions.
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.
Grace and peace,
Jeof Falls and Andrew Campbell (Moderator NSW)