Coronavirus
(COVID-19)
To Protect Each Other - HANDS FACE SPACE
The government has announced that the measures put in place under Plan B in England will be lifted.
The government is no longer asking people to work from home if they can.
From 20 January: Face coverings will no longer be advised for staff and pupils in secondary school and college classrooms.
From 27 January: Face coverings will no longer be advised for staff and pupils in communal areas of secondary schools, nor for staff in communal areas of primaries. There will no longer be a legal requirement to wear a face covering. However, the government suggests that you continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet. Venues and events will no longer be required by law to check visitors’ NHS COVID Pass. The NHS COVID Pass can still be used on a voluntary basis.
The pandemic is not over, people are still becoming seriously ill or dying from COVID-19.
Even fully vaccinated people can still contract and transmit COVID-19.
If you have COVID symptoms you must avoid contact with others and get a test or medical advice.
We all have a responsibility and duty of care for ourselves and those around us. Think about meeting outdoors, increasing ventilation indoors, wearing a face covering in crowded areas, minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts. Continue to wash or sanitise hands regularly and to clean surfaces touched by others.
Wash hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water.
Use hand sanitiser where soap and water are not available.
Where possible wash hands before and after each activity.
Avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily.
If you can, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces.
Wash or sanitise hands before and after handling face covering.
Avoid touching your face or face covering.
Wash or replace face coverings regularly.
Keep 2 metres (6 feet) apart wherever possible.
Use other safety measures if not e.g. 1 metre separation with face covering.
Avoid crowded places.
Show consideration to others.
Not all people can wear a face covering or understand the COVID restrictions.
Some may have greater anxiety or be struggling with the situation.
Support one another.
Before you leave home ask yourself
" Do I have any Coronavirus symptoms ? "
a high temperature
a new, continuous cough
a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
If you do, please stay at home and get a test or get medical advice.
" Do I have any Coronavirus symptoms ? "
a high temperature
a new, continuous cough
a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
If you do, please stay at home and get a test or get medical advice.
For further information see links below.
Please be aware that you may not have severe or indeed any of these symptoms but may still have Coronavirus, and that new variants mean the vaccine may not give full protection.
Protect others- Hands Face Space
Find out what level of restrictions apply in your location.
Currently England is covered by 'Plan B' restrictions.
Many of the legal restrictions are being lifted on 27th January, but are still in force until that time
Face coverings are required by law in most indoor settings.
Certain venues and events will be required by law to check that all visitors aged 18 years or over are fully vaccinated, have proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or have an exemption.
Even fully vaccinated people can still contract the disease. However, having been double vaccinated and having had a booster will significantly decrease the severity of symptoms for most people. Also they can still transmit COVID-19, especially as they may be unaware they have the disease, showing only mild or no symptoms.
If you are not showing symptoms, consider using a lateral flow test, available from chemists and online, before and after group interactions.
If you have any symptoms get tested or get medical advice, avoid contact with others, and stay at home.
There are a number of legal requirements remaining concerning contact by NHS Test and Trace, having a positive COVID test, and foreign travel.
COVID-19 has not gone away, so it’s important to remember the actions you can take to keep yourself and others safe. Everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious. Preventative measures and sensible precautions such as Hands Face Space guidance, vaccination and testing, and compliance with national local and venue COVID-secure measures, will still be needed to prevent further outbreaks and to ensure our continued safety.
In order to minimise risk at a time of high prevalence, you should limit the close contact you have with those you do not usually live with, and increase close contact gradually. This includes minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.
Meet outdoors where possible and let fresh air into homes or other enclosed spaces.
Wear face coverings in crowded areas.
Shops, venues and public transport may ask you to adhere to additional preventative measures.
For the latest information on testing and isolation refer to the government information here.
Note different restrictions apply in Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland.
As a caring church we are aware of the concerns of our congregation, community, country and world at large regarding the current coronavirus outbreak. We wish to support those in need of reassurance and our prayers (see our Prayer Page). Please use the telephone number or email at the foot of the page if you need to contact us.
Please note although some church services and group activities have restarted they will be operating in line with Methodist Church and Government guidance during the coronavirus outbreak to reduce the risk of infection. Also not all services and activities that happened before the pandemic have restarted just yet. You can catch up on services on our Previous Services & Sermons page. You can also join in worship from home via a number of other websites including Wesley's Chapel and Westminster Central Hall or use the Methodist Church resources found on our Home Worship page. Worship material from Temple can be found on the This Week's Service and Prayer pages. You can also keep in touch with our friends at Paul St URC and St John's.
Below are some links which give information regarding guidance to churches from the Methodist Church, information from the UK government, NHS/Public Health England, local government, and charities.
The Methodist Church regularly issues guidance and resources such as attending church, welcoming people, worship & communion, pastoral concerns, and events such as weddings and funerals.
The Methodist Church Coronavirus Guidance and Resources
The UK government provides up to date information on how to stay safe, testing, employment, schools, housing, travel, care and support, and vaccination.
UK government Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage (main webpage)
Test and trace what to do if you think you have symptoms
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Get Coronavirus Support as a Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Person
COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
NHS advice on reducing the risk of contracting coronavirus
NHS advice and information on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
NHS advice and information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination
Useful websites
Somerset West & Taunton Council Local Advice & Information including how to get support
Somerset County Council Local Advice & Information including how to get support