What kind of funeral can I arrange?
Funeral directors remain absolutely committed to supporting all bereaved people during this extended period of funeral restrictions, while minimising the risk of infection to both at-risk groups of mourners and to all those in key worker roles.
How many people can attend?
In England, the maximum number is 30 (subject to the venue’s COVID-secure limit); in Scotland it’s 20 (subject to the venue’s COVID-secure limit); and in Wales and Northern Ireland it is subject to the venue’s COVID-secure limit.
However, in England only six people (not including staff) can attend an ashes scattering, ritual washing or other linked event or custom associated with a funeral during the lockdown period. In Scotland, wakes are prohibited on the mainland and the limit for other ceremonial events is 20, in a COVID-secure setting.
Lifting restrictions
The NAFD is extremely encouraged by the news (22 February 2021) that families will soon have the freedom to choose how many people to invite to a funeral once again, but we respect the need for caution.
Families have been incredibly brave throughout the pandemic – and funeral directors have worked hard to support them in creating smaller, personalised and meaningful services. While any loosening of restrictions will be welcomed, when it’s safe to do so, there will be uncertainty over the precise date when limits on funeral services, wakes and other linked events in the four UK nations will be lifted, for some time to come and so we urge families to work with their funeral director to say goodbye to a loved one within the restrictions, rather than seeking to delay until such time as they might be lifted.
There are no immediate changes to the thirty people permitted to attend a funeral – although in Step 2 of the roadmap in England (from 29 March 2021) it will be possible to have a wake, reception, ashes scattering or other linked event, for up to 15 people and in Scotland, restrictions on funeral attendance will start to be eased in Stage 3.
Arranging the funeral
If you wish to visit a funeral home to arrange a funeral, then you will be required to wear a face covering in England, Wales and Scotland. In Northern Ireland, they are recommended unless the funeral home is able to maintain social distancing by using a system of ticketing or appointments. You can also arrange a funeral over the phone or by email.
Funerals should not be arranged in person if anyone involved has symptoms or should be self-isolating, in accordance with government advice.
If you wish to view the deceased person by visiting the Chapel of Rest, please discuss this with your funeral director.
On the day
It is permitted to travel between tiers and between nations of the UK if you have been invited to attend a funeral. Please note, if you live in a tier 4 area and are going to a funeral or linked commemorative event outside the tier 4 area, the event must follow the tier 4 gathering limits on the events. If you live outside a tier 4 area and are going to a funeral or linked commemorative even inside the tier 4 area, you must comply with the tier 4 gathering limits on the events.
Many firms in England, Wales and Scotland have safely re-introduced limousines for bereaved clients, following guidance to ensure they can be used safely, including the use of Perspex screens, limiting the number travelling to ensure they can sit as far back as possible and additional cleaning. In Northern Ireland, limousines are not permitted for use. Face coverings should be worn by passengers in funeral vehicles.
Face coverings are required during all indoor funeral services (including places of worship, burial ground chapels and crematoria) in England and Scotland. In Northern Ireland and Wales face coverings are recommended but not mandatory.
Webcasting/live streaming of the funeral service (using professional or personal devices) is available at most crematoria (or arranged through your funeral director) – thereby enabling other mourners to still participate without putting themselves and others at risk of harm.
Please don’t publicly advertise the funeral details to reduce the risk of other, well-meaning mourners arriving unexpectedly. This is not permitted under current social distancing laws. and they may be turned away at the door, which could be distressing for them and the bereaved family.
All charitable collections should be done online.
Further information
The NAFD fully appreciates that, despite these changes, the current restrictions remain extremely tough for bereaved families. However, they are there to protect as many lives as possible and so it is important they continue to be adhered to.
Minimising the risk of transmission
Funeral directors remain absolutely committed to supporting all bereaved people at this very difficult time, but are rightly concerned about increasing the risk of infection to both at-risk groups of mourners and to all those in key worker roles. Like supermarket workers and other essential services, funeral employees have a vitally important and sensitive job to do and so it is critical they are able to do it safely, by being able to stay within the social distancing rules.
If you wish to visit a funeral home to arrange a funeral, then in England, Wales and Scotland you will be required to wear a face covering. In Northern Ireland it is also mandatory unless the business concerned can reduce the risk of transmission through an appointments system and social distancing. Check with your chosen funeral director.
If you wish to view the deceased person by visiting the Chapel of Rest or participate in a funeral custom such as ritual washing, please discuss this with your funeral director.
On the day
Many firms in England, Wales and Scotland have safely re-introduced limousines for bereaved clients, following guidance to ensure they can be used safely, including the use of perspex screens, limiting the number travelling to ensure they can sit as far back as possible and additional cleaning. In Northern Ireland, limousines are not permitted for use. Face coverings must be worn by passengers in funeral vehicles in England, Scotland and Wales.
Face coverings are also required during all indoor funeral services (including places of worship, burial ground chapels and crematoria) in England, Wales and Scotland. In Northern Ireland, face coverings are recommended but not mandatory.
Close family members that are COVID positive or symptomatic should find alternative ways to participate in the funeral rather than in person – to minimise the risk of transmission. Webcasting/live streaming of the funeral service (using professional or personal devices) can be recommended, for example. If they do wish to attend, they should notify you in advance – to enable the appropriate precautions to be undertaken.
Please be mindful of how you advertise the funeral details, to reduce the risk of other, well-meaning mourners arriving unexpectedly. This is not permitted under current social distancing laws. and they may be turned away at the door, which could be distressing for them and the bereaved family. Alternatives such as lining the route, leaving messages on condolence/tribute pages, participating in the ceremony online, watching a recording of the funeral ceremony afterwards etc should be considered instead.
All charitable collections should be done online.
I need to arrange a funeral and there is a funeral plan in place
Please contact the funeral plan provider to understand how recent restrictions might affect the delivery of the plan.
If you have concerns, would like to make a complaint about a funeral plan provider, or need help tracing a funeral plan, you should contact the Funeral Planning Authority using the form available on their website: funeralplanningauthority.co.uk.
FAQ
Witnessing the funeral of a loved one plays an important role in helping bereaved families move through the grieving process and not being able to attend can have an impact on long-term health and wellbeing. The Government has made it clear that it wants bereaved people to still have that opportunity, and therefore gatherings for funerals can continue – but only if they take place within strict social distancing guidelines and through the limiting of numbers attending.
Why aren’t funerals banned to reduce the risk of infection?
Unlike any other life event, witnessing a funeral can’t be deferred and there is no opportunity to repeat it again in the future. Therefore, being able to be there in person, even if as a much smaller group than the family would have wanted, remains an important choice that families must be free to make for as long as possible.
While an outright ban might seem like a more straightforward solution, there is real risk of this having serious unintended consequences for bereaved families. It may be that the family themselves decide that they do not wish to attend, but it is not for us to deny families that opportunity if there is no reason to do so within the Government’s guidelines. The important thing is to get the balance right to ensure mourners and funeral, crematorium and cemetery workers employees are not put at greater risk of infection.