COVID and Funerals

We understand, we care, we can help

Name: Integrity Funeral Care Limited
Address: 71 – 75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ, United Kingdom
Telephone: 020 3745 7795
Price range: Competitive

The loss of a loved one is hard enough in normal times, but the pandemic has made an already unavoidably distressing time feel so much worse. At Integrity Funeral Care we fully recognise the increased stresses and strains family members are having to deal with, and we want to be there for you, to try to take some of that weight from your shoulders.

Our philosophy is that you need time and space to grieve and it’s our job to take responsibility for as much of the organisation as we can so your feelings are not crowded out by having to make all the arrangements yourself.

If you have any questions, concerns or uncertainties, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us using the telephone or email contacts provided. We want to help. Meanwhile, here are a few of the details of what is and isn’t allowed under the current COVID regulations.

The rules

Firstly, the government rules state that even during national lockdown, “people are permitted to leave their homes to attend a funeral as well as other religious, belief-based, or commemorative events that are linked to a person’s death, as long as they follow the relevant rules and guidance.”

That means you’re not breaking any rules by arranging or attending a funeral. However, you need to be careful who you invite as there is a limit of thirty people for any of the events associated with a death. We know this is hard. We know you may find it difficult to decide who to invite and you may worry about offending people who can’t come. We will happily offer advice if you need it.

When the rules talk about “commemorative events” they mean things like stone setting ceremonies, the scattering of ashes or a wake. While funerals can have up to thirty people there, these other events are limited to six, indoors or out. You might think about holding a virtual wake so more people can come using Zoom for example. If you’re not sure how to do that, by all means get in touch so we can give you a few tips or even arrange to host the event for you.

It’s important to understand that the limit of thirty people is a maximum and some churches or halls, crematoriums and cemeteries can only allow even fewer. The government rules state that, “the actual number of people able to attend will depend on how many people can be safely accommodated within the venue with social distancing, and where the funeral venue manager has carried out a risk assessment and taken all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of COVID-19.” If you’re looking for a church or other venue but you’re worried they might not be able to accommodate the whole family - or you’re searching for a place that can but don’t know where to start we can offer recommendations.

Relatives are allowed to visit crematoriums and burial grounds but the rule of six applies here too and it’s important to keep up your social distancing when you go. While pubs and clubs are not allowed to host funeral parties there are alternatives including community centres and some conference halls or meeting rooms, each with their different limits and restrictions.

Food and drink

Light refreshments can be offered to your funeral party but not provided by the venue itself. Guests have to remain seated and socially distanced and the food needs to be brought to their tables. When people aren’t eating, they need to keep their face coverings on.

Personal care of deceased people

Sadly, the health professionals are strongly advising mourners not to have any close contact with the deceased, even if COVID hasn’t been identified as a cause of death. If they do, they have to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) “under the supervision of someone who is trained in the appropriate use of PPE.” People who are clinically vulnerable in particular shouldn’t take part in washing, preparing or dressing the body.

COVID deaths

Mourners need to take special care if the deceased is believed or is known to have had COVID. It’s really important that your funeral director, church minister and venue manager are told in advance so they can take their own precautions, and sadly, some of these places will not allow funerals or commemorative events in these circumstances. You should also tell anyone who’s invited to the funeral in advance.

During the funeral

There are rules and advice around how funerals are conducted. For example, playing musical instruments that are blown is discouraged, although, “some professional, socially-distanced vocal or instrumental contributions can take place, either indoors or outdoors, but outside wherever possible.” Singing is something people are also being asked not to do at funerals and where it is an essential part of the service it should be limited to one person where possible or up to three people staying at least two metres apart. Where possible, instrumental music or recordings are safer. Readings and eulogies are allowed, but the use of microphones is encouraged to avoid the added risk of infection caused when someone raises their voice to be heard.

Mourners officially self-isolating, known to be infected or vulnerable

If you have COVID symptoms, the advice is not to attend a funeral at all.

People who are self-isolating by law can go if the deceased was a close family member including parents, grandparents, spouse or partner, child, brother, sister or grandchild. However, anyone instructed to self-isolate can’t go to wakes or other gatherings and are liable to be fined if they do. If you are self-isolating you are legally obliged to make sure any ministers or venue managers are told in advance.

People identified as vulnerable or extremely vulnerable are advised not to attend and must take extra care to keep their distance if they do.

Mourners coming from outside England

Mourners who have come to England from other countries are allowed to break whatever quarantine rules apply to them to attend the funeral of a close relative, but must go back to self-isolating immediately afterwards. For all of the restricted categories above, government advice is to view the service remotely by Zoom or similar.

Support

We understand that these added restrictions are a lot to take in, right at a time when your thoughts are of your loss and that of your family. There’s a lot to sort out. Unlike some funeral directors, at Integrity Funeral Care, we want to deal with as many of those details and difficulties as possible so you don’t have to.

For more information, call us on 020 3745 7795 or email info@integrityfuneralcare.co.uk

The pandemic has robbed us of so much. Don't let it rob you of the time to grieve and to remember. Let Integrity Funeral Care take charge of all the arrangements for your loved one's final departure.