You are here:HomeNewsLatest News From Friday 29 January 2021, the following restrictions are in place for places of pubic worship in the Diocese of Broken Bay; Under Public Health Orders, all places of public worship in NSW must complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan for each building used. It must be kept up to date as changes occur using the latest template, currently dated 29 January 2021. All places of public worship must register as COVID Safe. (You do not need to re-register) The place of public worship must ensure that if they are running con-current services, meetings or events on the one property in separate areas or buildings, that the start and finish times do not overlap, to avoid over-crowding and mingling outside. Indoor religious services are subject to the one person per 4 square metre rule, with no upper cap. Outdoor religious service are subject to the one person per 2 square metre rule, with no upper cap. Maximum capacity for Weddings: 300 people, or one guest per 4 square metres, whichever is the lesser, may attend a wedding service in a place of public worship. Maximum capacity for a funeral: 300 people, or one guest per 4 square metres, whichever is the lesser, may attend a funeral or memorial service in a place of public worship. These numbers exclude staff/essential ministers. Children count towards the capacity limit in places of public worship. Musicians - A small group of up to 5 people may sing together indoors if: all singers face forwards and not towards each other have physical distancing of 1.5 metres between each other and any other performers, and 5 metres from all other people including the audience and conductor. Ensembles and other musical groups should rehearse and perform outdoors or in large, well-ventilated indoor spaces. Masks remain compulsory in places of public worship for people over the age of 12, unless exempt. The person leading the wedding, funeral or other religious service does not need to wear a mask. This is because they need to be clearly understood by congregants. In relation to hospitality after Masses or other church events in a meeting room or hall: a maximum of 50 people are allowed to gather outside. Parish Hall and meeting rooms can be used. Capacity is subject to the one person per 4 square metre rule, with no upper cap. Please refer to the COVID-19 Safety Plan for Community Centres and Halls. No buffet food is allowable. People can bring their own food. In relation to the use of parish bus: The courtesy driver (and any assistants) must minimise close contact with passengers All passengers and driver must wear a mask unless exempt. Ensure social distancing by allocating seats Encourage sanitation as passengers enter and exit the bus It is important to note, that the majority of parishioners who would avail themselves of such a service, would fit into the vulnerable category and extra care should be taken. And in relation to record keeping, a place of public worship must: Keep a record of the name and contact number or email address of all staff, volunteers, visitors (parishioners) and contractors. Hold the record for 28 days in a confidential and secure manner. Protect the personal details being collected to avoid disclosure to other visitors Ensure records are used only for the purpose of tracing, if required by NSW Health. The use of the Services NSW app, along with your QR code associated with your registered COVID Safe Business, is strongly recommended. We remind you to stay up to date with all the latest COVID restrictions via the NSW Government website - https://www.nsw.gov.au/form/covid-safety-plan/places-of-worship.