Holding a funeral is a little different currently.
We are living a time of new rules and regulations, many of which change without notice. Here is a guide to the current Government information on Funerals. This link contains more extensive information, we are sharing the main points.
Funerals and Memorial Gatherings
Holding a funeral is still an emotional time, and we appreciate these additional guidelines are frustrating. There are still restricted numbers, to a maximum of 30 people in attendance. In addition, linked events, either before or after the funeral are limited to 15 people. For example, a Wake that will be serving food must comply with all other Covid restrictions, e.g. table service only.
- To minimise the risk of infection, to mourners and staff, social distancing of at least 2m between households should be maintained.
- Households should remain separate from each other. This includes travelling to and from the funeral where possible.
- If a funeral car contains people from more than one household, they should wear masks, keep windows open and face away from each other.
- All staff and mourners should wear masks in places of worship, at indoor venues and recommended outdoors.
- If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 you should not attend a funeral.
- Anyone who would like to attend that is in the ‘high risk’ category should have every reasonable safety procedure in place to keep them safe from potential infection.
- The normal advice to wash hands for more than 20 seconds, regularly, continues. You can also use hand sanitiser where available.
Ideas to ponder…
Some ideas for ways to manage funerals during this difficult time might be:
You could consider a live stream of the funeral service, allowing people to watch who cannot attend.
Maybe postpone a memorial gathering or Wake until the restrictions have eased.
You could create a video of memories that many people can send their short clips to, gathering stories and history that will be available for reflection in separate households, until people can come together again.
Planting a tree that can be visited in the future and for generations to come.
Information correct on 5th November 2020.