Covid ban on singing’s lifted in time for Easter church services
Pastor Mike Doyle from the St James Anglican Church in Berala described the lifting of rules on singing at places of worship as “the answer to our prayers”.
He said while being allowed to sing in church with a face mask for the past couple of weeks had been better than nothing, it was still “not a great experience”.
“We have very much missed singing,” he said.
“It’s so central to the way Christians have praised and glorified God for centuries.
“I don’t know what the first ‘mask-free’ hymn back will be just yet but I’m looking forward to it. It will be a great celebration.”
Under the new rules, wearing of masks on public transport is also no longer ‘mandatory’ although it remains ‘strongly recommended’.
Entertainment venues, including stadiums and theatres, can also return to 100 per cent capacity and there are no longer caps on numbers at funerals, weddings and on dance floors.
A spokesperson for Dooleys says the changes in conjunction with Dine and Discover NSW vouchers “will return some sense of normality” to the local community.
“For our members this will mean regular activities, entertainment and events can be enjoyed to their fullest with no restrictions on singing and dancing,” she said.
However NSW Health officials say they continue to “closely monitor the situation in Queensland” after an outbreak of cases in Brisbane last week.
Warning everyone to continue to practise Covid-safe behaviours, including using QR codes, staying home if unwell and getting tested NSW chief health officer, Dr Kerry Chant also urged everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and able to do so.
Details: nsw.gov.au/covid-19.
