While Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are no longer in place, St. Mary’s, Mildenhall recognises that Covid-19 is still a risk and is responding according to the local situation. We are continuing with some measures to protect our congregation.

We respectfully ask that you refrain from attending Church if:

- You are exhibiting the symptoms of COVID-19 which may include:

* A high temperature (this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature).

* A new, continuous cough (this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. If you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual).

* A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste (this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal).

- You have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19 within the last five-days.

Hand Hygiene

We are continuing to provide sanitisation stations located around the Church and at the point of entry/ exit.

Social Distancing

The legal limits on the numbers of people allowed to meet indoors and outdoors have been removed, including all capacity limits in churches and other venues, as well as removal of the one metre+ social distancing rules.

However, at St. Mary’s, Mildenhall we acknowledge that the relaxation of restrictions is a source of significant anxiety for some visitors. Therefore, we are maintaining an area, specifically the pews located on the north-side and south-side of the Church to allow those who wish to continue to socially distance to do so. During a Service only every other pew will be available for use and we ask that each pew is single occupancy/ occupied by a single family group.

Face Coverings

Face coverings are no longer mandatory in any setting. However, it is recommended in enclosed or crowded places, particularly where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet, that you continue to use a face covering.

At St. Mary’s Church, we encourage you to continue to wear a face covering to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 through droplets and perhaps aerosols (which can linger in the air) from coughs, sneezes and speaking/ singing.

Making our Church Building as Safe as Possible

We are also continuing to take measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. We continue to keep the Church well ventilated by opening doors and windows (weather dependant) as often as possible. We ask that you make use of all available aisles within the building to allow visitors to share and move about the space as safely as possible.

We are continuing to maintain an increased cleaning regime, focused on frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles; and materials, such as Service sheets and hymn books are quarantined between Services (and for a minimum period of 72 hours) to prevent handling by multiple users.

The Collection Plate is not currently passed through the Congregation during the Service. Donations, if you wish to make them, are very welcome via contactless card payment.

The latest guidance available from the Church of England .can be found here: Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance | The Church of England. It reflects Government guidance as well as that of public health bodies