Masks will be off at United synagogues next week when the remaining Covid restrictions are lifted in England.

In new rules and guidance, the US encourages members to return to in-person activities while trying to ensure that congregants feel “as safe as possible” as they reconnect with their communities.

It says that from Monday, social distancing at services will be reduced from two metres to at least one metre. Masks will be compulsory only where it is not possible to maintain a one metre distance.

Those holding private events at US venues will be required to conduct a risk assessment and all shuls will need to have strong ventilation systems in place. 

It is maintaining the policy that no one should attend synagogue if experiencing Covid-type symptoms.

In an email to rabbis, rebbetzens and synagogue chairs, communities’ director Jo Grose wrote that the US is “excited to begin to return to normal communal life” but  “mindful that Covid will be with us for the foreseeable future and that the current infection rate is high. 

“The emphasis of this set of guidance is on local decision-making by honorary officers and rabbinic teams, based on the needs and profile of your communities.”

The US has also issued recommendations that synagogues can adopt at their discretion. 

Among these is that communities should require those attending a simchah or other social event to demonstrate their Covid status, either through a vaccine or lateral flow test. 

The US has also recommended that communities should discourage handshaking and request members not to greet one another with physical contact.