Post-Lockdown Risk Assessment

8th December 2021:

The Prime Minister announced the requirement that masks be worn inside buildings. Consequently, we shall:

  • Re-display the old signs about face coverings by the entrances.
  • Provide spare masks on the tables.
Like last time, the chapel has no power to enforce the mask regulation, nor to enquire why persons are apparently breaking it


20th July 2021:

The regulations regarding lockdowns were eased on Monday. Consequently, at last night’s deacons’ meeting, it was decided that:

The Thursday night Bible Study will take place live at chapel from 22/7/21 and will remain so until further notice.

The Sunday afternoon 4pm service will come to an end after this Sunday. Anyone wishing to keep especially safe may join us at our sparsely attended mid-week and Sunday evening services, or hear recordings of them via the website.

Refreshments may be served after the services on a Sunday.

All pews will be available to occupy and people may sit where they wish. However, sanitizer will still be available by the entrance an exit, and the pews will be sprayed after the morning meeting. Masks are no longer compulsory though anyone wishing to wear them will and must be respected.

Anyone wishing to keep apart from others will be free to use the upper room where the meeting will continue to be relayed by video. Children may also be using that space.

Anyone feeling unwell or displaying Covid symptoms is asked to remain at home, in accordance with government advice.

The pastor's weekly email will cease after this week. The regular church bulletin can be read here: https://martintop.org.uk/multimedia/bulletins

 

Post-Lockdown Risk Assessment from 1 July 2020- 20 July 2021: For information only

On 1st July 2020, the pastor, deacons and chairman of the trustees met to discuss the chapel's re-opening and the actions required to ensure safety. A risk assessment has been drawn up (see the link at the bottom), though a short summary of the measures taken follows:

  • Salem Chapel will be open for public worship at 10.45 on Sunday 5th July 2020.
  • The Evening service will be conducted live at 6.00 in the usual manner.
  • An afternoon service at 4pm will be offered via Zoom for those who sheild. 
  • The Wednesday service and prayer will take place in the chapel at 7.30.
  • The Thursday Bible Study will be via Zoom at 7.45.

This provides for those unable to attend in person, though the situation will be reviewed regularly from Wednesday 15th July. Those who attend in person are asked to observe the following protocols to keep us compliant with Health & Safety:

  • Please sanitise hands before entering the building- tables with sanitizer will be outside the main entrances.
  • A register of attenders will be kept for 21 days in the event of tracing requirements
  • Please avoid taped-off pews and sit together as couples or families. Unaccompanied individuals are asked to use the back row. This enables us to maximise capacity.
  • Those not wishing to be near singing may occupy the Upper Room where the service will be relayed via speakers.
  • Those in the main room may sing, but are asked to do so more quietly than otherwise.
  • If possible, bring your own Bibles.
  • Avoid physical touching and socialising in the building both before and after.
  • Vulnerable groups (e.g. asthmatics and over 70s) should consider government advice and take precautions or absent themselves
  • Those who wish to give financially should consider electronic methods:

Account Name: SALEM CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL 252401

Sort Code: 09-01-51

Account Number: 40549900

  • If you normally share a vehicle with people from other households or support bubbles for essential journeys, the government recommends you find a different way to travel. For example, consider walking, cycling or using your own vehicle if you can. There is further advice where car sharing cannot be avoided.
  • Communion will be shared, but cups and bread will be left by allocated seats before the service begins.

Risk Assessment

From 8/8/20, the Government requires face masks to be worn indoors. The congregation have been advised of this by email (8/8/20) and signs up by the main doors. Spare, disposable masks will be made available by the chapel entrance. 

A third national lockdown was imposed in January 2021. Places of worship were permitted to remain open, but the Lancashire Resilience Forum requested that churches close voluntarily. Although we have elected not to do so, exercising our legal right to remain open, an email has been sent to all regulars urging compliance with the rules on keeping apart, wearing masks, and the pastor will further disinfect entrances and exits before and after meetings as people pass through them.