Funerals are still allowed during lockdown: Here is what you need to know

Saying goodbye to a loved is always difficult but Covid-19 and the need for social distancing has made this even harder yet, despite people’s concerns about being unable to say a last farewell, funerals are still able to go ahead. Funerals are still allowed during lockdown: Here is what you need to know

Being able to say goodbye and put in place a lasting memorial for a loved one are an important part of the healing process for family and friends. Although much has changed, families will still have that chance to hold a memorial service. 

Changes to funeral arrangements due to Covid-19

The aim of the lockdown and social distancing is obviously to keep people safe and to slow the transmission of the disease. Even at funerals amongst close family that risk remains and must be minimised.

The Government has issued guidelines that funerals must still be allowed to go ahead due to the long-term impact this could have on mental wellbeing and the need to allow families to grieve properly.

A significant impact of Covid-19 is the need to minimise the number of mourners allowed at a funeral to ensure social distancing can be properly followed. 

While stopping short of setting a maximum number of mourners, the Government has said that only members of the same household and close family members should attend funerals. 

Key points:

  • The number of mourners should be kept to a minimum
  • Members of the family who are classed as high risk or who are self-isolating should not attend the funeral
  • Families can still choose between cremation and burial
  • Physical contact should be avoided with mourners from outside your household as hard as this will be
  • Those displaying symptoms and self-isolating should not make funeral plans in person
  • If family are unable to attend close friends are permitted, again in low numbers
  • Funeral limousines may not be provided (this is down to individual choice of funeral directors)
  • You may not be able to visit the chapel of rest
  • Contact with the coffin may not be possible

Funeral directors are still able to act at their own discretion and it may depend on the equipment they have – such as dividing screens for drivers – and the age and risk factor of their staff as to what they can accommodate. This will could impact on visits to the chapel of rest and the provision of limousines. 

If needed funeral directors could also possibly help where families want to set up a live stream to include people who cannot be at the service. 

Non-contact funeral arrangements

Unfortunately to minimise contact, funeral arrangements will now largely be made over the phone. 

As hard as it is for undertakers and the family to discuss such a sensitive issue without a personal touch it is necessary to protect both grieving families and undertaker’s staff who are classed as key workers. 

Discussions about the service will need to take place over the phone, although experienced staff will know everything that needs to be covered to make sure your loved one has the funeral that you want. 

Arrangements for memorials, such as headstones, will also need to be made via telephone.

Davis Memorials uses traditional craftsmanship to create unique and lasting memorials to loved ones and while we can no longer welcome customers into our shop we are continuing to offer a full service.

A member of staff will be able to discuss all your concerns and work with you to create the design that you want through telephone conversations and online communication.

A trusted service

While the world has change for this moment in time, there remains the need for dignity in death and for families to be able to celebrate the life and mourn the loss of their loved ones.

At Davis Memorials we are committed to continuing to support families through their grief and to create a lasting memorial that they can always remember their loves one through.

To discuss creating a memorial for a loved one please get in touch with Davis Memorials through our online contact system, call 01384 566 958 or email info@davismemorialsltd.co.uk.