CHURCHES have now closed completely as the Archbishops of York and Canterbury issue a joint statement.

Both the Church of England and the Catholic Church kept their buildings open for private worship after public worship was stopped last week.

But private worship is not among the four reasons for which people can now leave their homes following the start of a national lockdown.

Funerals will take place at crematoriums or by the graveside, and not within churches. There will be no church weddings or baptisms.

In their statement, the archbishops said: “In the light of the Government’s measures, announced by the Prime Minister, we urge everyone to follow the instructions given.

“We will give a fuller statement of advice as soon as possible. Let us continue to pray, to love, to care for the vulnerable, and build our communities, even while separated.”

The Catholic Church has also closed its churches.

The head of the Catholic Church in England Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: “We’re going to play our full part in it. That was the call of St. Paul that we ought to be good citizens and today we ought to be good citizens playing our part in the protection of the vulnerable, in our support for the NHS and in the preserving of human life, which is so precious to God in the face of this virus.”

Many churches including Holy Trinity C of E in Micklegate and Our Lady's RC in Acomb, are streaming services online.