How Funerals Are Impacted By Lockdown

Funeral Attendance

Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people (some venues may specify fewer due to size and capacity). Linked ceremonial events such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to 15 people in attendance. The funeral director and our staff are not counted in the 15 or 30. Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble.

Funeral Services In Church Or A Place of Worship

Places of worship will be closed, apart from for the purposes of private prayer, service broadcasting and funerals

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What We Are Doing To Help

How we are working during lockdown

Our office

Our office will only be open to appointments made in advance. This is to make sure we have chance to sanitise surfaces before and after appointments and to avoid too many people being in our office at once. Safety is always paramount.

Making Funeral Arrangements

We are always available to see families to discuss funeral arrangements and pre-paid plans. Oliver will be able to visit families in their own homes (if families are comfortable for him to do so). We also have facility to discuss funeral arrangements over phone if preferred. 

Limousines

We are still offering our limousines to families but we ask the following to ensure the safety of you and our staff:-

• To keep the number of occupants to a minimum.
• Use Hand sanitiser as often as possible
• Our driver will open and close the doors for you from the outside of the vehicle.
• Avoid touching surfaces inside the vehicle.

How we are keeping you safe:-

• Our vehicles are meticulously sanitised, cleaned and maintained before every journey. 
• Our vehicle has a glass partition to separate you from the driver (ensuring the best chance of social distancing).
• Our driver will be wearing a face covering.
• We will have spare face covering with us, in case you forget.

On the Day of the Funeral

Who Can Attend?

It is advised that only close friends and family attend a funeral.

What Can I Expect...? What has Changed?

• Inside Crematoria, the seating is spaced apart. the seats can be moved together for mourners from the same household or support bubble.
• Inside churches or places of worship, mourners will be expected to social distance unless part of the same household or support bubble.

Do I Need A Face Covering?

Yes, face coverings must be worn by all mourners inside crematorium chapels and places of worship (unless exempt due to any medical conditions). 

Are We Allowed Hymns?

Although an organist is available to play hymn music and choral versions of hymns can be listened to, mourners are not allowed to sing hymns due to projection reasons.

Webcasts & Service Streaming 

Webcasts are a service offered by Torquay and Exeter & Devon Crematorium. They are a great way to make those who cannot attend a funeral feel included and it gives them a chance to view the service​. In recognition of this, we are covering the cost of webcasts during this difficult time so the family don't need to worry about the additional cost involved. 

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If you have any other concerns about funerals during lockdown, please call on 01626 772080 and Oliver will answer any questions you may have.