Churches in Northern Ireland will be permitted to keep their doors open despite the imposition of a so-called “circuit breaker” lockdown.
The new restrictions, as reported by Premier Christian News, which will be in place for the next month, institute a mandatory requirement for worshippers to use face coverings when entering and exiting their church buildings.
In terms of the broader restrictions on social contact, bubbling will now be limited to a maximum of ten people from two households, with out-of-bubble overnight stays being strictly prohibited.
Funerals will be limited to 25 people with no post-service gatherings allowed and schools will also be closed from Monday for two weeks, with one of them coinciding with the half-term break.
Also from Monday, wedding ceremonies will be limited to 25 people with no receptions allowed.