Singers exempt from wearing masks as No 10 changes its tune

PEOPLE will not have to wear face masks when they are singing under the new rules, it emerged yesterday, creating confusion about the approach in churches and theatres.

Government figures clarified that the special “carve out” for singing applied within venues, according to the legal wording of new regulations coming into force in England today.

It means that if someone is praying or listening to a sermon in a church they will have to wear a face mask, but if they are singing hymns they will not.

Similarly, if someone is attending a musical and singing along they will not have to wear a mask, but if watching a play involving no music the crowd should be masked.

Downing Street officials noted there would have to be a “reasonable excuse” for using the singing exemption, stressing it cannot be used anywhere.

They said that if someone went into a supermarket, started singing and argued it meant they did not have to wear a mask, it would not be allowed – despite initial confusion from officials on the point.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said of the supermarket example: “We were absolutely clear, there [has to be] a reasonable excuse required for someone who is seeking to do that [use singing as a reason not to wear a mask].”

The church masks situation is stark given how different it is from the approach adopted by the Government earlier in the year.

For the first half of 2021, singing indoors was not allowed in churches, with the Government arguing the science showed that singing could markedly increase the spread of Covid.

The new rules, which apply in England, come into force today. Most public spaces will now legally require the wearing of face masks.

The Prime Minister said on Wednesday that exemptions would be made for “eating, drinking, exercising or singing”, given wearing masks is impractical in such circumstances. It means people will not be obligated to wear a mask in restaurants, pubs and gyms.