Coronavirus precautions
The Corona-virus is forecast to spread rapidly. During this period of uncertainty, we want to do all that we can to continue to support the communities and families we serve. To do this we must take steps to protect the well-being of people involved in funerals at our burial grounds.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
31/3/2020 - Public Health England published Guidance for Care of the Deceased with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19). In relation to funerals the Guidance states:
Those organising a funeral should adhere to the following:
In relation to our burial grounds:
This page will be constantly reviewed.
Our best wishes to all.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
31/3/2020 - Public Health England published Guidance for Care of the Deceased with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19). In relation to funerals the Guidance states:
Those organising a funeral should adhere to the following:
- restrict the number of mourners who attend so that a safe distance of at least 2 metres (3 steps) can be maintained between individuals
- only the following should attend: members of the person’s household; close family members; if the deceased has neither household or family members in attendance, then it is possible for a modest number of friends to attend
- at no point should mourners mix closer than 2 metres apart from each other.
- mourners should follow the advice on social distancing when travelling to and from the funeral gathering
- mourners should avoid any direct face-to-face or physical contact, for example, hugging each other unless they are part of the same household, that is, they have already been living in the same house as each other
- mourners in attendance, should follow the general advice on hand hygiene and preventing the spread of infection: wash your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds using soap and hot water, particularly after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose, or after being in public areas where other people are doing so. Use hand sanitiser if that’s all you have access to and wash your hands with soap and hot water as soon as you can. to reduce the spread of germs when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or your sleeve (not your hands) if you don’t have a tissue, and throw the tissue away immediately. Then wash your hands or use a hand sanitising gel
- before and after each service, clean and disinfect the area in which the service has taken place, as well as frequently touched objects and surfaces using your regular cleaning products to reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people
- mourners who are unwell with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), or are part of a household with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, should not attend any gatherings
- in many situations the household members of the deceased person will be the next of kin; they may be having to self-isolate in line with household guidance. Where the funeral is scheduled to take place before the period of household isolation has been completed (14 days from the first case in that household), there should be no mixing between mourners who are self-isolating and those who are not
- mourners who are symptomatic should not attend in any circumstance
In relation to our burial grounds:
- access - burial grounds are now closed to the public except for funerals until government restrictions are lifted
- notification - we must be told if the deceased died of corona-virus.
- restrictions on funerals - please refer to the latest guidance above
- time limits - please restrict gatherings to no longer than one hour; no marquees should be erected and no refreshments should be served
- contact with remains - we suggest that coffins should not be carried on shoulders. Our custodians will protect themselves by keeping a distance away from the funeral party and will not shake hands or have physical or close contact with funeral staff, visitors or mourners. Back-filling the grave will be carried out by machine only.
- office procedures - arrangements should only be made by email/phone/BACS - please scan and email forms as pdf copies
- cancellation - it is possible that we will not have the human resources to undertake the funeral as requested. We must therefore reserve the right to cancel at any time. If possible we will make alternative arrangements. If not, we will refund the burial ground's charges.
This page will be constantly reviewed.
Our best wishes to all.
