The leaders of five North East London councils have written to religious leaders and places of worship across their respective boroughs to help curb the rising levels of coronavirus infections by taking services online.

In the letter, the leaders of Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, Hackney, Newham and Haringey, say the restrictions announced by the government on Monday, ‘which are overdue are to help combat the rise in people being infected by Covid-19 and to reduce pressure on hospitals and NHS services. However, they are concerned that the restrictions ‘fell short of asking people not to attend their places of worship for communal worship’.

With infection rates increasing over the Christmas and new year periods, it is important that we all work together to reduce the rates of infection and places of worship have an important role to play.

Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham, who is one of the signatories said: “With cases of the infection rising daily, we are at a critical stage and we all need to work together to keep our communities safe.

“With infection rates increasing over the Christmas and new year periods, it is important that we all work together to reduce the rates of infection and places of worship have an important role to play.

“Importantly, I welcome the call from the Bishop of Barking and the Acting Archbishop of Chelmsford for all Anglican Churches in east London to move services online and the stance taken by Al Madina Mosque in Barking to do the same. We sincerely welcome other places of worship taking the same approach in order to keep members of our respective communities safe.”

You can find out more about the government’s guidance on places of worship at: www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home#places-of-worship