Charles Holland

Why we should apply common sense to Covid regulations

Picture credit: Getty

Footage of a police officer interrupting the Good Friday liturgy to disperse and send home the congregation of a Polish Catholic Church in Balham has become the subject of a media storm over the Easter weekend.

A strongly worded statement from the parish alleges that ‘the police grossly exceeded their powers by issuing their order without adequate reason, as all government requirements were met’. While the Metropolitan Police issued a statement disclosing that officers attended after following ‘a report of a crowds of people entering queuing outside’ (that common feature of Covid-19 policing: a tip off). It was said that they found social distancing and some mask wearing requirements were not met, and that the officers considered it was not safe to allow the service to continue.

The parish’s statement suggested that the officers who attended were out of date:

We believe that borough police officials have been misinformed regarding the current guidelines for places of worship, claiming that the reason for their intervention is the continuing ban on public celebrations in places of worship in London, due to the lockdown introduced from Jan. 4, 2021.

The words of the officer dispersing the congregation did not focus on masks and social distancing, however. He said:

Ladies and gentleman, this gathering is unfortunately unlawful under the Coronavirus Regulations we have currently. You are not allowed to meet inside with this many people under law. At this moment in time, you need to go home. Failure to comply with this direction to leave and go your home address ultimately could lead you to be fined £200, or if you fail to give your details, to be arrested. I suggest, ladies and gentlemen, though it is Good Friday, and I appreciate you would like to worship, that this gathering is unlawful so please may you leave the building now.

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