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Written question asked by Steve Baker (Conservative) on Monday, 26 April 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 29 April 2021 (named day). It was answered by Eddie Hughes (Conservative) on Thursday, 29 April 2021 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Collective Worship: Coronavirus

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will issue guidance (a) for all religions to allow for outdoor group prayer to take place with the same criteria that applies to indoor places of worship before Step 3 of the covid-19 response Spring 2021 roadmap and (b) to facilitate communal Eid prayer in connection with Ramadan.

Answer

We know that it will be disappointing that Eid will take place before Step 3 of the roadmap to reopening has been taken. However, we must remember that we are still living through a pandemic – every additional day of restrictions directly improves our ability to reduce transmission and control the virus.

Communal worship outdoors in the grounds of a Place of Worship is already possible. Outdoors each participating group can involve up to two households. Mosques will also be able to organise ‘Eid in the Park’ prayers, but will need to work with local councils and health officials to facilitate this. Because larger events inevitably carry risks around groups mingling we have advised anyone planning such an event to ensure they are modest in size and well stewarded to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed, consistent with our guidance on Outdoor Events.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
187208
Session
2019-21
Registered interest declared
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Collective worship Disease control Coronavirus Ramadan
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk