In advance of a change in the law and the guidance in England, please see updated guidance from the United Grand Lodge of England and Supreme Grand Chapter with regard to Lodge and Chapter meetings.

New government restrictions have been imposed in England in response to the Omicron variant. In accordance with the law and with government guidance, the United Grand Lodge of England and Supreme Grand Chapter continue to recommend that Freemasons wear face coverings at Masonic meetings, unless exempt.

Members remain encouraged to undertake a lateral flow test, available free from NHS Test and Trace, prior to attending any Masonic meeting.

From 15 December certain venues will be required to check that visitors show their NHS Covid Pass. It is not anticipated that this legal requirement will apply to venues for Masonic meetings.

Freemasons attending Masonic meetings must follow the law and must also follow any requirements imposed by their venue.

UGLE remains of the view that those lodges and chapters that wish to meet should be enabled and encouraged to do so. Notwithstanding this, no individual should be coerced into attending and members should feel free to distance during meetings should they so desire.

Should official guidance change, further advice will be forthcoming.