PUBLIC services and events at Durham Cathedral, including St Cuthbert’s Day, celebrations, have been suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It follows guidance from the Archbishop of Canterbury and York and includes all tours, the Open Treasure museum and the central tower.

This Friday marks St Cuthbert’s Day, in whose honour Durham Cathedral was built, and the cathedral will be sharing a link to a special half hour service on its website.

It is hoped that as many people as possible will gather at their computers and smartphones to watch at 7pm.

The cathedral has said the church is changing, not closing, by embracing digital means and resources wherever possible, so that regular worship can continue.

A member of clergy is saying Morning Prayer, a service of Holy Communion and Evening Prayer each day and as many of these as possible will be live streamed.

The cathedral will also live stream as many of the upcoming Holy Week and Easter services as possible.

The cathedral remains open for private prayer, but it is essential that people follow the Government guidance on self-isolation, particularly if they are symptomatic or fall within one of the high-risk categories before visiting.

Those who do come to the cathedral must observe best hygiene practices and follow the current advice on social distancing.

For this reason the church may look a little different on arrival, with seating spread out and NHS signage visible.

The Very Reverend, Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham, said of the change: “On a day-by-day basis, we have been responding, as has the whole country, to changes which will have an immediate impact on our daily lives.

“It is a time of great uncertainty, but what has already become apparent is the resilience and tenacity of the cathedral community in the face of adversity.

“It is this determination and display of enduring faith that is driving our efforts to adapt our daily worship, so that we can continue to meet the community’s need for spiritual guidance and support.”

On Sunday a service of Holy Communion will be livestreamed on the cathedral’s Facebook page at 11.15am and the Right Reverend Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham, will livestream prayers from the Shrine of St Cuthbert.

The cathedral is also working hard to create resources which will help to bring some routine and structure into daily life for those in self-isolation.

Educational resources from our learning and outreach team will be available to aid school-children with their studies, as well as engaging content from our talented Open Treasure team, who are seeking to keep Durham’s rich history alive.

For more information about cancellations at the cathedral and how we’re responding to coronavirus, please visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/corona-virus.