From August 7th 2021, alert Level 0 was introduced in Wales. There are no legal limits (for Covid reasons) on the number of people who can meet, including in private homes, public places or at events. In addition, all businesses and premises may be open and activities can fully resume. However, the Welsh Government has kept a small but significant number of legal requirements to help reduce the spread of the virus and help protect the most vulnerable. Businesses, employers and other organisations have a duty to protect their employees and customers while on their premises. There are three legal requirements that remain at Alert Level Zero:
- Businesses, employers and other organisations, including activity and event organisers, must undertake a coronavirus risk assessment of their premises and activities and take reasonable measures to minimise exposure to, and the spread of, coronavirus based on that risk assessment.
- Everyone must still self-isolate for 10 days if they test positive for COVID-19. If you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive and you are not fully vaccinated you must also self-isolate for 10 days as instructed by the Test Trace Protect system.
- Adults and children over 12 must wear face-coverings in indoor public places including churches, church halls and community buildings.
It will be noted that social distancing is no longer a legal requirement. However, it is a very useful risk mitigation measure, so it is generally recommended that social distancing measures be retained where practical. It is a general legal duty to protect all people who come into building/s, or who could be affected by an organisation’s activities, from harm. This includes taking reasonable steps to protect members of the congregation or visitors from coronavirus. This is called a COVID-19 risk assessment and it will help to manage risk and protect people.
We have carried out a risk assessment for the church and we are publishing this below for all to look at.
