The latest Church of England guidance states that Face coverings are currently mandatory on public transport and in a range of indoor venues including places of worship. While there are exemptions, *this is a legal requirement* and there is no specific exemption for bellringers.

Ringers should therefore continue to:

• Insist that masks are worn when ringing in the tower
• Be sensitive to those ringers who feel uncomfortable about having lots of people in the tower
• Continue to sanitize hands before and after ringing and if changing rope
• Recommend that all ringers take a Lateral flow test before joining a ringing session
• Ensure good ventilation in the ringing chamber. Less ventilation = less ringing time!
• Think carefully about whether you admit visitors - not part of the usual band - into the tower.
• Check your local government guidance about COVID prevalence and if in doubt, don't ring.
• Ensure Ringers don't ring if they feel unwell
• Be aware of the symptoms of the highly contagious Omicron variant, which include:
• Runny Nose
• Headache
• Sneezing
• Sore Throat

CCCBR summary of guidance here.
ART Newsletters on recovery of bellringing after COVID are here
ART Survival and Recovery Toolbox here
ART article on Recovery Champions here