UPDATE: Since this post was published, a wave of suspensions and cancellations have hit Freemasonry. See this post for more up to date information on the impacts of COVID-19.
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has recently published an update for members, which advises to either avoid any physical contact during ceremonies such as degree work, or postpone it.
The Daily Telegraph, a UK newspaper, picked up the story and wrote about it recently. The UGLE’s publication primarily focuses on basic facts about COVID-19, symptoms, and what can be done to control the spread of the virus. The following quote though goes to their recommendations on Masonic work:
We recommend that members consider refraining from any physical contact within the ceremonies, before or after meetings. Given the tactile nature of many ceremonies, if you or candidates are concerned about how they can take place with little or no physical contact, while maintaining their meaning and impact, you may even wish to consider postponing the ceremony until the situation has improved.
Coronavirus – Member Update from the UGLE
Forthright 