Anticipation is building to safely welcome members of the community back to this sacred place of worship after nearly a three month closure due to Covid-19.
The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham said: “We are thrilled to announce that the Cathedral will re-open for private prayer on 22 June, at a time when it has never felt more necessary to connect with God or equally to find space to quietly reflect, amidst the chaos of the world.
“We recognise how enormously hard it has been for those most affected by the pandemic in our community. While we have worked hard to develop our digital offering, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, we understand that many of you will want to encounter Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, in this ancient and sacred space.
“With that in mind, we hope the news of our reopening and the COVID-secure safety measures we have put in place, bring a real sense of reassurance, comfort and support to people.”
The health and safety measures that will be in place to ensure that the Cathedral is COVID-secure from 22 June include:
• Deep clean of the cathedral before re-opening
• social distancing and pews widely separated
• a one-way system around the cathedral (with entry via the Galilee Chapel and exit via the North Door)
• regular cleaning of the cathedral
• hand sanitiser for staff and members of the public
• specially trained staff on duty
• protective screen at the visitor desk
• additional signage
• limited number of people allowed in the building
The cathedral will be open from Monday to Saturday 10am-12pm and 1pm– 3pm and Sundays 12– 3pm.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to offer their prayers and, if they so desire, to light candles for loved ones.
At this stage, the cathedral’s toilet facilities, Open Treasure museum, Central Tower, restaurant and shop, as well as the Cloister will remain closed.
Regular cathedral services are not yet able to resume within the church, however daily worship will continue online via the cathedral’s Facebook and Youtube channels.
The cathedral asks that anyone exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms refrain from visiting, and instead use the digital worship resources available at home https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/worship-music/online-worship-resources.
You can find more information about what to expect when you arrive at the cathedral at www.durhamcathedral.co.uk.