Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance

The live streaming of services is permitted and is already proving to be a vital part of our ongoing worship and witness.

Under current guidelines, we recommend that this should be done with the minimum people for maximum safety.

Wherever possible this should be done from home, with live streaming operated by the person presenting or a member of their household. External personnel should not move between households to facilitate this.

If the service is recorded in the church building, no more than 5 people can be in the building. They must observe strict social distancing and hygiene practices. Anyone who falls into the government requirements to isolate at home for any period of time should not be in attendance.

We would stress that even though these numbers are currently permitted for production purposes, this is likely to be even more restricted in the near future.

Please follow the full live streaming guidance available on ElimNET

Sadly, weddings, baptism and dedications should be postponed in line with the clear advice from the government.

Funerals are subject to the same restrictions on public gatherings. Therefore, under the current restrictions only graveside or crematorium funerals can be arranged.

Local restrictions are likely to be in place so we encourage ministers to consult with the local funeral services and crematorium as appropriate.

Only immediate family members can attend as allowed by the crematorium. A distance of 2 metres is to be maintained between every household group, as per Public Health England guidelines.

We encourage ministers where possible to consider discussing with the family the possibility of a memorial service to be conducted for their loved one at a later time, though this is obviously something to be handled with discretion and sensitivity.

Further advice on funerals can be found on ElimNET

As the coronavirus pandemic unfolds in the UK, the main priority is ensuring the safety of everyone who comes to a food bank – whether it’s someone needing help, someone volunteering their time, or someone making a donation.

The situation is changing quickly, and national organisations such as Trussell Trust are in daily contact with the food banks in their network about their local situation. They are centrally issuing updated guidance every day in a special daily bulletin, so please ensure you follow their national guidance.

Further details are available at trusselltrust.org/coronavirus-food-banks

Due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, CAP have made the difficult decision to temporarily stop all face-to-face Debt Help visits, community groups and events.

Further details are available at capuk.org/coronavirus

As no meetings of more than two people should take place in any of Elim’s buildings, all bookings to other groups should be cancelled with immediate effect.

All schools and nurseries should now only be open to the children of key workers. Further details: Guidance about maintaining educational provision for schools, childcare providers, colleges and local authorities in England.

Further advice can be found on gov.uk

All non-essential shops and community spaces must now close.

Further advice can be found on gov.uk