If you’re organising a funeral livestream during Covid-19, we’ve compiled some legal information that might help:
National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) – nafd.org.uk/funeral-advice
“Why aren’t funerals banned to avoid any risk of infection?
Witnessing the funeral of a loved one plays an important role in helping bereaved families move through the grieving process. We know that not being able to attend can have an impact on long-term health and well-being. The Government has made it clear that it wants bereaved people to still have that opportunity, and therefore gatherings for funerals can continue. This is only if they take place within strict social distancing guidelines and through the limiting of numbers attending.
Unlike any other life event, witnessing a funeral can’t be deferred and there is no opportunity to repeat it again in the future. Being able to be there in person, even if it’s a much smaller group than originally planned, 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 a 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. However, 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 are not put at greater risk of infection.”
UK Government Website – gov.uk/COVID-19-guidance-for-the-care-of-the-deceased
“It is strongly advised that the following principles are followed:
- Mourners who have any symptoms of COVID-19, or are part of a household with possible COVID-19 infection, should not participate. They may infect others and should be isolating at home as per the stay at home guidance. Individuals who are in a risk group should not attend gatherings and should practice social distancing. This is because they risk picking up an infection from other members of the community.
- You can find the list of vulnerable groups and the list of extremely vulnerable groups who should practice shielding. Plans should be put in place to allow mourners to participate remotely where possible. Also priority should be given to people who are vulnerable to severe infection.
- The number of mourners should be restricted to minimise the risk of a person spread. Social distancing should be practiced between individuals (at least 2 metres) too.
- Mourners should minimise any direct face-to-face or physical contact. For example, hugging each other unless they have already been living in the same house as each other. Mourners who attend should practice social distancing and given information about what to do should they become unwell.”
If you’re exploring the option of organising a funeral livestream during Covid-19, please get in touch to discuss your needs further.
