Much stricter CoV rules for church services
RELIGION
After the Catholic dioceses of Linz and Salzburg, which had already tightened their CoV rules for church services last week, all other dioceses in Germany will join them from Monday.
At all public services, both in church and outdoors, when & FFP2 masks are worn. In addition, the two-meter minimum distance must be observed. All those performing liturgical services are required to provide 3G evidence. There are also German restrictions on singing and music.
These regulations, decided by the Bishops’ Conference on Friday, apply as well as the nationwide lockdown from next Monday, November 22nd.
Conference advises postponing rituals
Even for religious celebrations on one-off occasions such as baptism, first communion, confirmation and marriage, the FFP2 mask requirement is gold-plated from Monday without exception.
“These celebrations should now be postponed as much as possible in the interests of those who celebrate,” explains Liturgy Bishop Anton Leichtfried. If they do take place anyway, a prevention concept and a prevention officer must continue to be binding.
Choir singing suspended
The parish singing during the service – of course only with a mask – is greatly reduced. Choir singing is suspended. Only a maximum of four soloists are permitted. The same applies to the music in church services, where only up to four instrumentalists and the organ are allowed. Soloists must document a 2G certificate with the management.
Maintaining a distance of at least two meters is required. No FFP2 mask is required for singing. If, in exceptional cases, the distance is slightly below two meters, FFP2 masks must also be worn while singing.
As in the past, the bishops adhere to the general waiver of the 3G or 2G rule for those taking part in the celebrations: “In order not to exclude anyone from the celebration of public church services from the outset, participation is still possible without proof of a low demiological risk.”: ” Essential prerequisites are personal responsibility and consideration. “