The RSCM summarises the latest update from Government regarding singing:
- There should be no group singing by worshippers. Places of worship should take account of the Performing Arts guidance.
- Small groups of professional or non-professional singers will be able to sing in front of worshippers both outdoors and indoors from 15 August. Singing in groups should be limited to a small set group of people and should not include audience participation
- Where music plays a big part in worship, and recordings are available, we suggest you consider using these as an alternative to live singing.
- Any instrument played during worship should be cleaned thoroughly before and after use.
Broadcasting
- Groups of professional singers are now able to rehearse and record indoors for broadcast (see the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport guidance for information on how this can be done safely).
Congregational activity
- Except for the limited circumstances outlined above, people should avoid singing, shouting, raising voices and/or playing music at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult or that may encourage shouting. This is because of the potential for increased risk of transmission from aerosol and droplets.
- Therefore, spoken responses during worship should also not be in a raised voice.
- Activities such as singing, chanting, shouting and/or playing of instruments that are blown into should be specifically avoided in worship or devotions. This is because there is a possible additional risk of transmission in environments where individuals are singing or chanting as a group, and this applies even if social distancing is being observed or face coverings are used.
The full article can be found here.