To prevent the spread of coronavirus in churches, different measures have been suggested including using one point of entry to the building, doors and windows opened to increase ventilation in the church, hand sanitisers located around the building, toilet facilities with adequate hand washing facilities and seating areas with 2m marks to maintain social distancing. It is also recommended that the building is regularly cleaned, before and after general use.
Recovering from Lockdown
Historic England have launched a second emergency grant fund, which is open to Grade I and under limited circumstances to Grade II buildings. The grant is to help “to fix urgent problems at locally-cherished historic buildings and sites, so that they can re-open as quickly as possible, subject to COVID-19 restrictions”, and is open to places of worship.
“The funding can be used to address problems such as damaged roofs, masonry and windows, to hire scaffolding to prevent structural collapse, or commission surveys necessary to inform urgent repairs.”
The maximum grant amount is £25,000, and the closing date for expressions of interest 28 June 2020. You can find further information on the Historic England website.
