Guidance has been provided for bell ringers, including checking for nesting birds and not spitting on your hands. 

Since churches can hold services again and weddings can go ahead, bell ringers are gradually returning too.

The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers has written the guidance for bell ringers in the UK, which has been promoted by the Church of England. 

There are risks in the way chimes are normally produced. Bell towers are often not well-ventilated, the ringers are close together and often touch the same items and railings. 

The advice says the musicians should “Limit the amount of ringing in a session to no more than 15 minutes, and leave 72 hours before the next session,” with each ringer sticking to one bell and not spitting on their hands. 

The bells in use must be two metres apart or 1.5m if the bell ropes drop down in a straight line, meaning for most churches, only alternate bells can be rung. 

Due to the lack of playing, they’re also told to check there are no squirrels, birds or water in the bells and check the ropes for rodent damage.