A NEW national lockdown was imposed on January 4, 2021, by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
These new tougher restrictions will have an impact on most industries, but how will it affect funeral arrangements and how many people will be allowed to attend?
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How many people are allowed to attend a funeral in lockdown 3?
The new lockdown three will see funerals limited to just 30 mourners.
A maximum of 30 can attend a service – but only six people are permitted to attend a wake.
Crematoriums remain open for funeral services only.
Burial services can continue in the cemetery grounds. There are restrictions on the number of those attending.
Linked religious, belief-based or commemorative events, such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue.
However, for all linked events, just six people are allowed to attend.
At all other times, strict rules on meeting friends and family from different households are in place.
England
The government's current guidance on funerals in England is that up to 30 people are allowed to gather for services outdoors.
Places of worship will be closed, but will be allowed to hold funerals.
During the gathering, you must remain socially distant from anyone that is not a part of your household or support bubble.
Wales
Wales went into a national lockdown after a surge in coronavirus cases a few nights before Christmas.
In Wales, funerals can take place but with limited numbers, and no wakes can be held.
The advice is to keep the number as low as possible.
People can only attend if they have been invited by the person who is organising the funeral.
Check with the funeral director, your local council or the place where the funeral is being held.
Scotland
In Scotland, from Friday, January 8, wakes and post funeral gatherings will be prohibited.
Only funerals and any associated ceremonies (stone settings, ash scatterings, etc.) can take place.
The latest guidance is that up to 20 people can attend a funeral in Scotland.
What are the coronavirus rules on social gatherings?
You cannot leave your home to meet socially with anyone you do not live with or are not in a support bubble with (if you are legally permitted to form one).
You may exercise on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble.
You should not meet other people you do not live with, or have formed a support bubble with, unless for a permitted reason.
Stay two metres apart from anyone not in your household.
Do funeral directors need to wear PPE?
Those handling bodies should be aware that there is likely to be a continuing risk of infection from body fluids and tissues where coronavirus infection is suspected or confirmed.
While the risk of infectious transmission is lower than for living patients, action should be taken to mitigate that risk.
Are burials being live streamed for family and friends who can't attend?
According to The Church of England's guidance for clergy when it comes to funeral services, family and friends of the deceased who cannot attend funerals should be engaged either by telephone or online.
The Church of England has released guidance in order to ensure funeral services can go ahead in a safe manner.
In the guidance, it is suggested that funerals can be live streamed from the graveside to loved ones who are not able to attend.
The Church of England encouraged people to get creative with streaming services.
Other institutions are encouraging the use of live streams at funerals as it limits the number of people who attend funerals.
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