Organising a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic

Organising a funeral of a loved one is challenging, even in normal circumstances but may be even more difficult for those experiencing bereavement during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s never a good time to lose a loved one and having to consider additional elements of a funeral to ensure the safety of the attendees adds to the strain. It is important to continue with the funeral, despite not being able to say goodbye in the way you may have wanted, as the grieving process and related mourning rituals where we mourn are important for the wellbeing of those who have lost a loved one. Should this be delayed it may negatively impact the health of the bereaved. 

 

We have compiled some of the latest important things to consider when organising a funeral to both allow mourners to pay their respects whilst reducing the risk of spreading the COVID-19 infection, in particular to those who are clinically vulnerable. We have summarised some of the most relevant government advice to take some of the strain off you. At the time of writing (29 July 2020) in England, it is now possible to have funerals in the UK, please check guidance in your local area as if infection rates change, the guidance may also change

Top things to know 

  • Family and friends are now permitted to attend a funeral

  • Check the number of attendees possible in the venue you have chosen (Church/ Crematorium) as with social distancing remaining, you will be limited to a certain number which means you will need to have an invitation-only service.

  • Some Funeral Directors may currently allow you to visit to the Chapel of Rest. You must comply with any hygiene rules in place and at-risk groups should not visit.

  • Families are being asked not to publicly advertise the funeral details to reduce the risk of other, well-meaning mourners arriving unexpectedly as they may be turned away by the venue.

  • Family members may not be permitted to carry or touch the coffin. Flowers may not be permitted.

  • Mourners who are self-isolating due to someone in their household/support bubble showing symptoms of COVID-19 or as advised by NHS Track and Trace but are not symptomatic themselves may attend the funeral with processes put in place to minimise the risk of transmission.

  • You may wish to allow additional mourners to participate remotely alongside those physically present, for example by live-streaming the service. 

  • While pre or post-funeral ceremonies may be held in line with the guidance on Staying alert and safe (social distancing), you may wish to postpone a celebration or memorial service until further social measures are relaxed and attendance can take place safely.

  • Mourners who have travelled to England from countries that are not exempt from the requirement to self-isolate (in the last 14 days) may attend a funeral 

 

 

Reducing risk

  • Try to arrange as much as possible over the telephone

  • Only invite a modest amount of close family and friends

  • Try to use your own vehicles rather than shared limousines 

  • Mourners must maintain a 2-metre distance from anyone not living in their household at all times, including other family members. Social distancing must be observed at all times.

  • All charitable collections are to be done online. 

  • Enable those who are clinically vulnerable to attend should they wish but ensure their contact with people outside their household or support bubble is minimised.

  • Any mourner who has COVID-19 symptoms (new continuous cough, high temperature, or a loss of, or change in, their normal sense of taste or smell) should not attend the funeral as they pose a risk to others.

  • Mourners should also follow the advice on social distancing when travelling to and from the funeral gathering. If this is not possible, face coverings should be considered. 

  • Hand sanitiser should be available for mourners to use on entry and exit. 

  • Activities such as singing or playing of wind instruments should be avoided as they may pose additional risk of infection even if social distancing is being observed or face coverings are used.

 

Those who are bereaved are likely to feel waves of intense emotions as they come to terms with the loss of a loved one. These can include sadness, guilt, shock, and anger. All are common and there is no right or wrong way to feel. Grief affects everyone in different ways, but the important thing is to grieve and to have the right support to do this.

 

You are not alone

We have partnered with Cruse bereavement and want you to know that they are there for you to offer bereavement support and advice. 

Cruse is the UK’s leading bereavement charity reaching over 100,000 people across the UK each year. They offer support, advice, and information to children, young people, and adults when someone dies and works to enhance society’s care of bereaved people. 

 For immediate bereavement support contact their national helpline on 0808 808 1677 

 Children and young people can:

Olivia Wiles