Updated guidance on singing, brass and woodwind during religious ceremonies

01 April 2021

Updated public health guidance on singing and the playing of brass and woodwind instruments as part of services of worship, weddings and funerals will come into effect on Friday 2 April, in time for the Easter weekend.

Additional guidance on singing and the playing of brass and woodwind instruments in all other settings, including schools, will be updated by Friday 12 April as part of the Stage 5 reconnection.

The guidance sets out that if no more than 45 people are attending a service during which they will be singing, it is strongly recommended that they maintain 2 metre from each other and wear a mask, even though it is not a legal requirement.

If choirs or performing groups are singing, or playing brass and woodwind instruments, that choir or group should not exceed 10 people. Those 10 people:

• are not required to wear masks
• should stand 2 metres apart from each other
• should stand at least 3-5 metres away from any worshippers or other people they may be facing
  

If there are mor than 45 people attending a service everyone must, by law, wear masks and to keep 2 metres physical distancing.

Dean of Jersey, Mike Keirle, said: "We are looking forward to welcoming Islanders into our churches over the Easter weekend. Singing plays an important part of celebrating the Easter festival, so we are pleased that the guidance has been eased to allow this to happen.

"I encourage everyone attending church or places of worship this weekend to wear masks if they are able, stay home if you are feeling unwell, and physically distance from each other so that we can continue to celebrate important ceremonies, safely going forward." 

Jewish Faith Leader, Stephen Regal, said: "It gives me great joy that the guidance on singing and gatherings for religious ceremonies has been updated. It is the last day of Passover on Sunday and I know the Jewish community in the Island will look forward to celebrating this together.

"I hope we keep up the good work as an Island by adhering to the Government guidelines and are able to continue to ease more restrictions."