Corona Virus

CORONAVIRUS PLANNING

At a time of national uncertainty over the impact of the COVID-19 VIRUS, it is important that we take steps to ensure that we continue to operate as safely and effectively as possible.

Over the coming months, funeral staff will be at the front line of the response to this virus, and we need to protect ourselves as much as possible whilst continuing to serve our clients.

This document outlines the changes to our normal working practices which will be necessary to protect both our staff and those working at our local crematoria, cemeteries, the families we serve and those attending funerals.

CONTACT WITH CLIENTS AND THE PUBLIC

In line with government guidance on social distancing, we will be making changes to the way we operate to minimise physical contact between our staff and members of the public.

THESE ARE:

• Visitors will only be received at our premises by appointment, and only two at one time to attend.
• We will no longer visit people in their homes to arrange funerals or pre-payment plans.
• Funerals will be arranged by telephone or email.
• We will not be shaking hands or making any other close contact.

We would kindly ask that individuals who believe themselves to be at high risk of having contracted the virus, either because of recent travel from an affected country, or contact with an infected individual, do not enter our premises or make physical contact with our staff.

TRANSFERRING THE DECEASED INTO OUR CARE

When we are called upon to enter a family’s home or a care home to transfer a deceased person into our care, we will now be asking whether the deceased or any members of their household and immediate family have been affected by the virus. This will allow us to use the necessary protective equipment and take steps to protect our staff from transmission of the virus. We would ask for your understanding and co-operation in this matter.

For those who have died in hospital, we will follow the guidance of the hospital authorities when transferring the deceased into our care.

VISITS TO THE CHAPEL OF REST

As normal, an appointment system for all visitors will be necessary, but only two close relatives at a time will be allowed to pay their respects.

FUNERAL GATHERINGS

To minimise social contact, government guidelines state that large gatherings of people be avoided.

We would therefore urge families to limit attendance at funeral services to close family only. If a large gathering would have been expected under normal circumstances, we would ask families to consider other options, such as webcasting the funeral or holding a memorial service at a later date.

We strongly suggest that together we take steps to manage the attendance at the funeral. We could do this by taking steps such placing death notices in newspapers or social media and asking the public not to attend the funeral.  A webcast of the service could be shown to friends and family when the emergency is over.

THE FUNERAL

Our local crematoria, where the majority of the funerals we conduct are held, have introduced a range of measures to help limit the transmission of the virus at the funeral. We will be complying with all their instructions which include;

For all cremations, the curtains will be closed at the end of the service to ensure that family members cannot touch the coffin on the way out of the chapel.

FUNERAL VEHICLES

We will now only be offering one limousine for the immediate family. Maximum six passengers.

TELEPHONE SUPPORT

Our 24 hour telephone support service will continue as normal. Please do not hesitate to telephone us if you have any concerns or need our assistance.