UK Government To Announce, This Week, Plans To Reopen Places Of Worship

Places of worship will be allowed to open for private individual prayer under government plans to be announced next week.

These are not expected to include weddings of any size, or full services – which will come at a later date.

The prime minister is set to outline measures which will come into effect in England on 15 June.

Northern Ireland has already allowed private worship but Scotland and Wales have not yet done so.

Boris Johnson is expected to update his cabinet on the plans on Tuesday.

Ministers have been working with faith leaders on guidance for how places of worship can re-open safely with social distancing measures in place.

Individual churches, mosques, synagogues and temples will have to manage the number worshippers attending.

Downing Street says any changes are contingent on the government’s five tests for easing lockdown continuing to be met.