Question reference: S5W-30266
- Asked by: Murdo Fraser, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 26 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by Aileen Campbell on 13 July 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason hospitality venues will be permitted to open to the public in July 2020, but not places of worship.
Answer
We recognise how difficult it has been for Scotland’s faith communities to be unable to come together in places of worship at this challenging time. 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 leaders and guided in particular by evolving scientific and health advice on transmission risks, we are confident that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to bring forward the reopening of places of worship to 15 July. This was announced by the First Minister on 9 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.