Coronavirus – the latest rules regarding funerals
Posted on 1st April 2020 at 14:06
My heart goes out to those of you who have just lost a loved one and are having to organise a funeral at this time.
Here are the answers to some questions that you may have following the latest rules regarding the conducting of funerals, as at 27th March.
Q: Can we still have a funeral?
A: Yes at the moment you can
Q: How do I arrange a funeral?
A: You will be able to speak with a funeral director via phone, Skype etc but will not be able to visit the funeral home
Q: Who will conduct the service?
A: The funeral director will arrange a celebrant for you. They will contact you and work with you to plan the ceremony, again either by phone, Skype, email etc. They will ask you lots of questions about your loved one to put a tribute together, as well as help you chose music and any poems/readings that you may like.
Q: Who can attend the funeral?
A: Mourners are restricted to very close family only, no friends and neighbours. A maximum of 10 people are allowed. Anyone self-isolating will not be allowed to attend unless they are the widow or widower, son or daughter
Q: What about physical contact?
A: At such a time, it would be lovely to be able to give hugs, but the 2 metre social distance rule must be adhered to.
Q: What about the other people who are not allowed to attend?
A: At Haltemprice Crematorium, there will be live streaming of the ceremony and it is also available to view afterwards and be delivered to you on a memory stick. You may wish to organise a memorial service for everyone at a later date, a celebrant will be able to help you conduct this service
Q: Is there anything else we need to know?
A: The curtains now must be shut either during or at the end of the service. You are not able to approach or touch the coffin during the service. Order of service sheets are no longer permitted, or charity collection boxes.
Q: What about the ashes?
A: These will not be released until things return to normal. Should you wish, a celebrant can help you with a service to scatter them at a later date.
I hope this information helps, please contact me if you have any further questions. Stay safe.
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