SALISBURY Cathedral has reopened to allow people to pray.
It will now be opening daily for private prayer between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Saturday, and 11.30am to 2pm on Sunday.
The Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said: “It’s been a joy to open the cathedral for prayer today, to see familiar faces returning and to welcome unfamiliar faces for the first time.
"The cathedral was built for prayer and it belongs to everyone; being among people coming to give thanks, to grieve, and to be still was profoundly wonderful.
"All who came respected social distancing, and an atmosphere of deep peace and prayerfulness prevailed. We look forward to welcoming all who wish to come.
The Bishop of Salisbury, The Right Reverend Nicholas Holtam and the Mayor of Salisbury were among those who visited.
The Dean was present throughout the day to welcome all those who came to pray and reflect.
Those wishing to pray can enter the cathedral via the North Porch, the entrance opposite the Bell Tower Tea Rooms.
There will be a one-way route through part of the nave, and people will be encouraged to move steadily along it, pausing only to light a candle or say a prayer.
Numbers permitted to enter the cathedral at any one time will be limited, but all are welcome and booking is not required for prayer. Depending on how many people wish to come and pray, worshippers may need to queue.
Social distancing measures will be in place and staff wearing PPE will be on hand to greet and guide worshippers.
Everyone entering the cathedral will be asked to use the hand sanitiser provided and regular cleaning will be undertaken during opening hours.
There will be four places for prayer and the lighting of a candle as people make their way around the nave.
There will be no access to the Quire, the Transepts, the Trinity Chapel or the Chapter House and Magna Carta, and no photography will be allowed.
There will also be limited seating for those whose mobility is restricted and people will be able to enter with others from their household, up to a maximum of six. Toilet facilities will not be available.
The main visitor entrance will remain closed. However, the Close and its lawns are open. Anyone visiting is asked to follow social distancing guidance.
The art exhibition Spirit and Endeavour remains accessible by going to salisburycathedral.org.uk/spirit-and-endeavour-virtual-art-tour and there are a number of pieces situated in the Close.
Cathedral floor manager Rob Douglas said: “Information and guidelines relating to Covid-19 are ever-changing, and we follow regular updates given by government and the Church of England.
"All the measures we’re putting in place are for the safety of those who enter the building and we will need to reassess and adjust continually.
"We hope the public will support us and bear with us during what is a challenging time."
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