Bereavement, cemeteries and funerals

New guidance published by the Government ensures members of the funeral and other related professions can keep themselves safe and prevent risk of infection from COVID19 when in contact with the deceased with suspected or confirmed coronavirus.  It also guides and advises mourners how to safely organise and attend funerals.

We would like to reassure families that all burials will continue to be carried out in a highly dignified, sensitive and respected manner.

• The number of mourners attending funerals is restricted, so a safe distance of at least 2 metres (3 steps) can be maintained between individuals. Ideally, only members of the deceased person’s household or close family members should attend.
• The number of people attending a funeral outdoors is restricted to 30.
• Those attending the funeral will need to adhere to social distancing at all times, including when travelling to and from the funeral.
• Mourners are requested to leave the cemetery as soon as the burial service has taken place.
• Wakes or linked ceremonial events (such as stone-settings) before or after the funeral are limited to 15 people and must not take place in private homes. Where food or drink is consumed, this should be in the form of a sit down meal.

Click on the bereavement privacy notice below for details on how the bereavement service manage your data

Bereavement privacy policy