Question reference: S5W-30264
- Asked by: Maurice Golden, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 26 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by Aileen Campbell on 27 July 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason churches will not be allowed to gather until 23 July 2020.
Answer
We know that it has been very difficult for our faith communities to be unable to come together in their places of worship, including churches. This was of course necessary due to the pandemic and I appreciate the understanding and patience our faith communities have shown in abiding by restrictions, which have been vital to ensure safety and stop the spread of the virus.
Working with our faith communities and guided in particular by evolving scientific and health advice on transmission risks, the First Minister announced on 9 July that, with appropriate mitigations in place, places of worship could reopen from 15 July.
The Scottish Government has remained engaged with our faith communities and will continue to work closely with them as we develop guidance to support places of worship to re-open safely, with physical distancing and hygiene safeguards.