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Chronicle Live
National
Jonathan Walker

Weddings can go ahead in July - but with no more than 27 guests

If you've been forced to put off a wedding due to the lockdown then Boris Johnson's latest announcement has something to lift your spirits.

As well as confirming that pubs and restaurants will be able to open from July 4, he confirmed that places of worship will be able to hold services again. At the moment, they are allowed to admit worshippers, but only for private prayer.

It means that weddings can take place, but there are still some restrictions.

The Prime Minister told the House of Commons : "I am delighted that places of worship will be able to reopen for prayer and services - including weddings with a maximum of 30 people.

"All subject to social distancing."

It means that you're going to have to limit the number of people you invite. In fact, with two people getting married and one person to oversee the ceremony, that leaves room for 27 guests.

And social distancing means they have to stay at least one metre apart. There will be no shaking hands or pecks on the cheek, at least not between two people who live in different households.

And there's more. While places of worship will be able to hold services, these can't include any singing. That's because singing can help the virus spread, because of the way it is carried in the air.

The same rule helps explain why concert halls aren't allowed to hold any live performances.

It depends, of course, on what type of wedding you had planned, but for some people the no-singing rule will mean they have to change their plans.

Still, for some people finally being able to marry will be a really joyous occasion. And it's not only weddings that can now go ahead.

Other religious events such as bar mitzvahs will also now be possible.

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