Compassionate Funerals
Covid-19 / Coronavirus Guidelines
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'Death, Grief, and Funerals in the COVID Age' is a excellent resource if you would like some further reading. It has useful information for parents, children, healthcare workers, and those who are grieving or have family members they cannot be with at this time.
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The official government guidelines are here
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All funeral arrangements can be conducted by e-mail and phone if you prefer (Zoom, Whatsapp, Facetime and Skype etc also possible). Most paperwork can be completed digitally if you have a printer. If not, we can post the necessary documents. ​If you prefer to meet face to face, we are happy to welcome you to our premises, hand sanitiser and face masks can be provided.
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Each funeral location has different regulations regarding the number of mourners allowed to attend funerals. At the moment the maximum is 30 people inside, and everyone attending must follow the current government social distancing guidelines. The elderly, vulnerable and anyone who has been in contact with someone with Covid-19 or who is showing symptoms (and has not yet finished their 14-day isolation period) is strongly advised not to attend.
We can arrange for live streaming or recording of the funeral for those unable to attend.
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The government rules on "linked religious, belief-based or ceremonial events" are as follows. This includes puja, ghusl, and any other faith related rites.
For any linked religious, belief-based, ceremonial or social events that may take place before or following the funeral, such as wakes, ash scattering and stone setting, the maximum limit is 15 people in a COVID-19 secure venue, where the organiser has carried out a risk assessment and taken all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the virus. This limit applies to areas at all COVID-19 alert levels. If the event is taking place in a private dwelling, including private gardens, attendance is limited to 6 people unless only members of one household or support bubble attend. This may be different where additional local restrictions are in place.
Events associated with the funeral, where food or drink is served, should take place in a COVID-19 secure venue in the form of a sit-down event with table service to support social distancing.
If you have been advised to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace you must not break your isolation to attend any linked religious, belief-based or ceremonial events. This would be a legal offence and you may be fined.
You should continue to follow the social distancing and hygiene advice given for funeral attendance.​​​
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