As measures in England tighten, masks are required to be worn more often in theatres, churches and cinemas. However, a “bonkers” exemption allows you to take your mask anywhere that you wish to sing.
A scientist who advised the Government said that tighter restrictions were deemed a “necessary evil”.
Since this morning in England, the law requiring that masks be worn indoors, including galleries, museums and community centers, has been expanded.
Regulations for sports stadia were also published Thursday night. However, the Department of Health has confirmed that face covers will be required only indoors.
But people attending churches or other places of worship will have to wear a face mask – but they will bizarrely be allowed to take it off to sing, making people question whether the face covering will make any difference to the spread of Omicron.
The exclusion for “bonkers” is confusing because of concerns that singing could increase the risk of Covid-19 spreading by transporting droplets further.
But while means that families attending Christmas services over the next few weeks will be able to remove their face coverings while singing festive carols – it also means shoppers would technically be allowed to remove their face coverings in supermarkets if they walked around the store singing.
Face coverings in public indoor spaces will be mandatory starting today under Plan B. This was the decision of Prime Minister David Cameron.
Boris Johnson claimed that singers would not be allowed to sing during his Downing Street press conference. Details have been released.
This rule is mainly applicable to worship services where the mask must be on, but can be taken off to sing hymns.
According to official Government guidance, the legal requirement for wearing facemasks in public indoor spaces will now be applicable to worship sites and other public places.
“There are exceptions to the rule for people who lead a service, or give a reading. There is also a reasonable excuse exemption that allows someone to take a picture while singing, if necessary.
Twitter users were confused by the policy today. One critic, David Oliver said: “Apparently singing” will be an acceptable reason to take off a mask! You can go to church wearing a mask for the prayer time, and then sing a song with your mask on! It’s completely absurd, and has no scientific foundation.
Hannah Doit stated, “Surely when you sing, more drops and aerosol travel further than simply breathing.” It is risky to remove a facial mask while singing. This …? logic doesn’t make sense to me. Are there nuances that are more important than could be included in one tweet?
And Kay Morgan-Gurr tweeted: ‘When I heard masks in places of worship were to come back I was pleased – I thought I would manage at least one Christmas service. They are permitted to be removed to sing… I’m back in my box now.
Last month, the Government announced that there have been several cases of Covid-19 in various parts of the globe linked to adult choir performances and rehearsals as well as church congregations.
Officials noted that “singing by adult produces large droplets from respiratory secretions, which generally fall to surfaces within 2 metres of the singer. Small droplets are also carried in the air and can travel some distance (aerosols).”
These researchers added, “Singing or speaking loudly can create 20 times as much aerosol than speaking at an average level of loudness.”
Officials confirmed that today’s exclusion for singing will also apply to indoor spaces.
The law allows shoppers to remove face covers in supermarkets, if they are singing around.
Fulham Boys School teachers and parents sing a song during Monday’s Christmas Carol Service at St Paul’s Church, London. Some are wearing masks while others are not.
Cinemas, theatres, places of worship and other venues are included in this category, however, they do not include gyms or bars. You can use masks in public transportation and shops.
It was also confirmed that a Tesco shop clerk could take off their mask while singing.
However, officials stated that singing in a supermarket is against the law and needed to have a reasonable excuse.
According to the official spokesperson of Prime Minister, he said that “I urge” (as has the public throughout), for people to show responsibility and be more sensible than we have.
He stated, “It’s all about finding the right balance.” It is essential to find the appropriate balance when deciding what restrictions and measures you want to put in place.
He stated that it was practical and sensible to implement the measures.
Downing Street stated later that it was difficult to justify shoppers being able to take off their masks and sing in supermarkets according to Plan B.
Official spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated that: “We are absolutely clear that someone seeking to do this has to have a reason.”
“Whilst I wouldn’t have the ability to speak for myself, it is difficult to justify it. We’ve already seen the responsible behavior of the public and these rules will be fair and balanced.
Yesterday, Boris Johnson was Prime Minister during a Downing Street press conference
“It could be that the police decide what is right, just as it has been during the pandemic.”
Another example is the exemption. It shows how new measures seem to be characterized by some peculiarities.
Even if someone isn’t eating or drinking, masks don’t have to be worn when the host hosts.
Under Plan B, people will be told to work remotely if possible starting next week. However Johnson stated that it is still possible to host Christmas parties.
The guidance did not prevent colleagues from meeting at the pub to perform their duties.
Officials stated that there is nothing in the rules which would prevent colleagues from going to a pub for lunch. They stressed the importance of reducing transmission risk within the workplace as well as the commute.
Employers and employees would decide the interpretation of this new guidance.
The advice to workers is to not travel to the office if possible. It will help slow the spread Omicron.
According to the official spokesperson for Prime Minister, “Obviously we’ve been in this situation before, and employers as well as employees have shown that they can work together and reach an agreement which recognises both individual and business needs.
Also, it is understood that private church events aren’t required to wear masks as they don’t fall under the category of ‘public indoor venues’. Outdoor carol services would not need masks.
According to the government, vaccination passports will be available for events and nightclubs where large groups gather from Wednesday. However, they will not apply at places of worship.
Face masks became compulsory in England starting November 30.
This was the first time since July 19th that law had allowed for face mask restrictions.
Face masks on Transport for London’s network were required between those dates but not in accordance with law.
This means that it wasn’t illegal until then to ride on the Tube without a helmet, although you might have been asked to leave if your mask was missing.
Officials stated that masks are not allowed in hospitality venues on November 30, because it is illegal to eat and drink with a mask.