How has Covid-19 affected the management of funerals
The grieving process, for both formal and informal rituals, is necessary steps in the healing of the bereaved. Especially during this time of crisis, it’s essential to know what should and shouldn’t be followed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Different protocols and procedures need to be put in place to ensure the safety of the participants. It is in coordination with the UK’s Health Protection Regulations for 2020.
What’s different with funerals amidst the coronavirus pandemic?
The UK established guidance for the care of the deceased for citizens to follow proper safety policies. This primer hopes to provide for the needs of the bereaved while still minimising the threat of contracting coronavirus to the funeral participants. Some notable changes for funerals include the limit to the number of participants, the proper management of the funeral venue, and the restriction for mourners who will remain outside of their home.
Although some exceptions can be made to its rulings, these only apply to circumstances where the death of a person is in the same household or to close friends and family members. These guidelines serve as a guide for hosting safe environments that prevent the contracting of diseases. However, in the event of a conflict between these policies and applicable health and safety legislation, the applicable law shall be upheld.
Who can attend the funeral?
Because it’s still possible for asymptomatic individuals to be present in the event, the participants must maintain social distancing measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. This includes keeping two to three metres of distance away from other individuals and observing proper hand hygiene to avoid any instances of contracting the disease.
In terms of the grieving process, only a modest number of participants are allowed to travel and attend the funeral to reinforce physical distancing policies. Although overnight stays away from home are permitted, it’s advised that it should only be for close members in the household. Listed below are some guidelines on how the event proper should be.
- Venue capacity needs to allow for proper social distancing between participants
- Mourners who are clinically vulnerable need to be facilitated to minimise the risk of being infected
- Mourners who have come from other countries are required to self-isolate before they are eligible to attend the funeral.
What should be done for symptomatic mourners?
If invited participants to the funeral show symptoms of COVID-19, such as continuous coughs, high temperature, or loss of taste or smell), they aren’t advised to attend the event. In these cases, remote participation is suggested to accommodate attendance given their condition. The use of live streaming services is a viable solution to uphold this rule.
If you or your participants are doubting their medical condition, they are recommended to self-isolate for at least seven days and to request an online test. Besides taking it online, the NHS provides a telephone line for people who don’t have internet access to receive their services.
Conclusion
Many of our loved ones have passed away either due to the coronavirus disease or through difficulty in getting proper medical attention. Although it may be challenging to grieve now, we must remain strong and steadfast during these trying times.
It’s important to stay updated on the latest government and local protocols when it comes to the passing of our loved ones. We cover funeral news in the UK for the latest advancements and developments in current events. Register with our blog today to know more about the funeral industry and what its current and future state will be for the UK.
