COVID-ERA ADJUSTMENTS FOR FUNERAL HOME SERVICES
The COVID pandemic has affected all types of collective events and venues, including funeral services. Funeral attendees are severely limited, and grieving families face difficult times in going through the process and taking care of arrangements for their late loved ones. Strict guidelines are still in place, but you can still express proper respect and plan final rites for your departed loved ones and friends.
Here are some changes in funeral services and adjustments that the industry and affected families have to face in light of the pandemic.
For up-to-date information, please refer to the funeral guidelines set by the UK government.
General Guidelines for Funeral Services
Currently, the government has granted permission for all direct funeral services. However, two main guidelines are in place as priority rules. People advised by the NHS Test and Trace program are advised not to attend any events, along with those experiencing any of the main symptoms of COVID-19 such as coughing, fever, and body malaise.
Attendees who have no symptoms, have been vaccinated, or have gone through the two-week isolation period after travel must still take care to minimise the risks of possibly catching or transmitting the virus. It’s best to confirm attendance with the funeral director and attendees before you visit.
Public health officials also advise the following:
● Wear a face mask if going into a crowded area.
● Avoid touching your face and mouth. If you do, it’s best to sanitise your hands with alcohol before and after doing so.
● Wash your hands with soap and water or sanitise with alcohol throughout the day.
● Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Properly dispose of used tissues immediately.
How COVID Regulations Affected Funeral Services
Ceremonies and all funeral activities have to be in accordance with government restrictions for guests attending wakes and funerals. As of July 2021, the previous restriction of thirty guests at maximum is no longer in place. The relaxing of restrictions can now allow for all types of funeral home services and will depend on the capacity, the nature of the location of these services, and the allowable maximum against social distancing measures.
However, these adjustments can cause difficulties for family and friends going through the grieving process. Some limitations may add extra stress when other people are not accommodated for the ceremonies, while some have to make do with virtual attendance only.
Adjusting to the Present Norm
Certain adjustments in funeral home operations had to occur for the pandemic era. Indoor funeral services are stricter and may limit attendees based on the general guidelines mentioned. However, any type of interment service is allowed, especially for open-air venues with COVID restrictions and strict observance, as the mentioned guidelines will allow.
While it’s safe to say that we might be going towards a post-pandemic era soon, basic restrictions are still crucial for safety, even if most of the world’s population are getting vaccinated. Wearing a mask in crowded areas, practising social distancing when possible, and consistent hand washing and sanitising are still essential practices today. It may be a year or more in the future before any relaxing of these guidelines can happen.
Final Notes
The loss of a loved one is already a heavy emotional moment for anyone, much less dealing with funeral arrangements and activities in this new normal. Some unavoidable limitations will be in place, and strict guidelines followed to properly carry out the final rites of a funeral service for our dearly departed.
Holmes Funerals is your trusted family funeral home to call. And while these limitations and guidelines can affect the overall process for immediate family and friends, we will make sure our services pay respects to your loved ones to send them off with love and respect as always. Contact us today for your needs.