A Message from Deborah Harkins, Calderdale Council Director of Public Health – 25 February 2021
The Government announced the road map for the relaxation of national lockdown on Monday. The approach means taking one step at a time, and it is absolutely right to start with children returning to school. As children return to school and mix, it’s inevitable the virus will spread, so it’s important that those of us that aren’t school children, do all we can to prevent the Virus spreading. This means staying at home as much as possible and observing the lockdown.
The number of infections in Calderdale is still too high.
At the moment the main ways that people in Calderdale are coming into contact with the virus, is through their work, and through this there is onward transmission in households.
The local economy in Calderdale and neighbouring areas means that fewer people can do their jobs at home. If fewer people can work from home in Calderdale than elsewhere, it is all the more important that those that can work from home do.
When we go into the workplace, we need to be even more vigilant than ever before. This means staying at least 2 metres away from other people at all times, including during breaks. We should all wear a face covering unless we are medically exempt and should wash hands frequently. It’s also really important that there is good ventilation and fresh air circulating.
As restrictions relax, our approach to preventing and containing transmission will focus on:
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Supporting schools re-open more widely
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Supporting businesses prevent outbreaks including using rapid tests for people that can’t work from home
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Engaging with communities. We have a team of more than 90 community Covid-19 champions.
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It’s also important that people who test positive and those they have been in contact with stay at home for 10 days. It’s important to have a plan for if you do need to self-isolate. There is support for people to self-isolate, including financial support, so do get in touch with the council if you need help
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We are seeing early signs that the vaccine is making a difference, and this is the most important way we can protect people who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill. Please take up the offer if you get invited
St John's Church is now open for public worship on Sunday mornings. Our service time is 9.30 where we celebrate Holy Communion. The Church has a risk-assessment policy which you can find further down this page. All visitors are required to wear a mask unless exempt.
We will be continuing to hold our service of evening prayer online 3 times per week, on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 7pm. If you would like to join us, please contact us through this website. We can also help you access zoom if you are unsure of how to use it. During Lent, Wednesday evening prayer is replaced by North Halifax Churches Together Bible Study - this year on the subject of creation and the environment. Again, please contact us for the zoom details to join us.
In addition, the service sheets are available on the resources page to download, so you can join us 'in spirit'.
Services
9.30am
Holy Communion
A service of Holy Communion at 9.30 am. Please see the risk assessment document to view our safety protocols.
Sunday
7pm
Evening Prayer via Zoom every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The service sheet can be found in the resources section. If you would like to join us please contact us via this website, facebook or e-mail.
St John's risk assessment protocols for the re-opening of church for public worship.
Safeguarding
St John’s is committed to the Safeguarding of Young People and Vulnerable Adults. Our Parochial Church Council has based its policy on the Church of England's policies and best practice on Safeguarding, which may be found on our Diocesan website –https://www.leeds.anglican.org/safe
The diocesan safeguarding team can be contacted via:-
Email address – safeguarding@leeds.anglican.org
Tel – 0113 3530257
St John's policy is updated annually. The Parish Designated Safeguarding Officer is Mrs Jackie Young who can be contacted at church or on 07949 710772.