Cathedral Opening for Individual Prayer Statement (updated Friday 12 June, 12 noon)

We are very pleased to be able to welcome members of our community into the cathedral from Monday 15 June for individual prayer.

During the last twelve weeks we have all found it difficult to not be able to enter Hereford Cathedral, and are glad that we are now able to take the first of many steps towards re-opening the cathedral.

While everyone is welcome to join us from Monday 15 June, we do need to stress that the spiritual needs of our visitors are priority at this time. Our Cafe and Mappa Mundi & Chained Library Exhibition will remain closed and we will have no toilet facilities.

A plain text transcript of this video can be downloaded by clicking here

From Monday 15 June, the experience of visiting the cathedral will be different due to the new procedures we have implemented to help protect and support our community:

 

• Please do not enter the building if you believe you have Covid-19 coronavirus, have symptoms of the illness or have been in contact with someone who is unwell with Covid-19 coronavirus within the last 7 days.

 

• We will only be open from 10 am to 3 pm to allow our reduced staff team additional time for cleaning.

 

• There will be a one-way system from the main door (north porch) through the cathedral which will then exit via St John’s door at the east end. We kindly ask that you adhere to the suggested route which is clearly laid out with ropes and arrow markers on the floor.

 

• Chapels and certain other areas of the cathedral will remain closed for the time being as it is not possible to adhere to social distancing and clean effectively within these smaller spaces.

 

• We will have a reduced capacity for visitors, so depending on how busy it is, you may have to queue outside to enter the building. A member of staff will be at the door to welcome you and control visitor numbers

 

• Social distancing of 2m between individuals or households will apply throughout the building. We ask that you are considerate to the needs of those around you and allow 2m distance to other visitors, members of staff and volunteers.

 

• There will be hand sanitising stations at each door and we ask that you use these facilities before entering the cathedral building. We would also encourage visitors to bring their own hand sanitisers to use during their visit.

 

• A member of clergy will be available within the building to offer spiritual support. Please do remember that we can also offer support via the telephone, and please email [email protected] to arrange this.

 

• At this time, we are not able to open our toilets to visitors.

 

• There will be only a limited number of seats throughout the cathedral, so please keep these free for those in need, to allow for chairs to be cleaned thoroughly

 

• Candles will be available but must be handled only once, and lit from a flame already burning. To control infection there will unfortunately be no facility to leave prayer cards however requests can be made online here.

 

Whilst we are excited to be able to re-open for individual prayer, we imagine that it will feel very strange for us all to return to our beloved cathedral and not to be able to experience it in the manner to which we have become accustomed. Please remember, however, that this situation is temporary and part of the process we will all experience as we return to worship.

We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.

The Very Revd Michael Tavinor

Dean of Hereford