Do you have to organise a funeral and not sure what the latest rules and guidelines are? Hearts & Souls Celebrancy aims to keep you updated as things change. However, it must be noted that regulations and guidance can vary in different areas of the UK and local restrictions may be in place. First of all, funerals are continuing to be arranged and are still taking place. Those in the funeral profession are classed as key workers and remain able to provide the highest standards of care and support at this time.

New guidance on funeral services

Funeral ceremonies may still be held in line with the guidance already in place. However, there are some changes and the most up to date information, including that from Public Health England includes the following changes in relation to funerals.

• Allows both family and friends to attend a funeral
• Increases the number of people who can attend a funeral
• Permits mourners to stay overnight outside their home

Many families may still wish to consider deferring a celebration or memorial service, until further social restrictions are lifted. This will then enable them to arrange funeral at a time when attendance can take place safely and more friends and family can attend.

Attending a funeral

It is still advised that only a limited number of family and friends of the deceased should travel to and attend the funeral.  Numbers have recently been extended to permit approximately 30.  However, this number may vary depending on the size of the venue and the advice surrounding social distancing, which remains in place, for own households and support bubbles. Your funeral director will be able assist on the day with social distancing requirements at the venue.

There is also additional information on:

• Travelling to and from the funeral
• Overnight stays away from home
• Live streaming
• Obituaries
• Face coverings

Travelling to and from a funeral

Mourners should also follow the advice on social distancing when travelling to and from the funeral. Wherever possible, they should travel to the venue in a car by themselves or with people from their household / support bubble.

At all times the guidance in relation to travel to and from a funeral, is:

• The number of people in each car should be kept as low as possible
• There should be good ventilation – keep the windows open if possible
• Maintain social distance between passengers, maximising the distance through appropriate seating positions wherever possible
• Mourners who are not from the same household or support bubble should face away from each other
• If mourners are using shared transport with others that they do not normally meet and where social distancing is not possible, they should consider wearing a face covering
• All mourners should follow the advice on hand and respiratory hygiene

 Overnight stays away from the home 

These are now also permitted. It is advised people should only be with their own household or support bubble, or with members of one other household (in which case social distancing should be maintained).

Live streaming

Mourners and a celebrant can attend the service. However, for those unable to be there in person for any reason, they can still participate in the service through remote viewing, where available.

Obituaries

It is still possible to include these in the planning of a service, but with the recommendation that the service details are not advertised in the public domain.  This will prevent unexpected guests arriving at the funeral service, which in turn may prevent the practising of social distancing measures.

Face coverings

It is deemed appropriate for mourners to wear face coverings. This is particularly relevant given funeral services are indoors and social distancing may be harder to achieve. Further guidance will be provided by the Funeral Director in relation to the chosen venue.

How can Hearts & Souls Celebrancy help you?

Advice is changing all the time and I will endeavour to keep you updated with any new or changed requirements. Please call me on 07774 614399 or email jane@heartsandsoulscelebrancy.co.uk to find out the latest advice and guidance.

If you would like a funeral celebrant to lead your service, please do get in touch with me, Jane and we can discuss your funeral service arrangements.