COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has effected every part of our lives, with restrictions placed on us and new considerations to how we go about our lives.

The size of any funeral is now restricted by the Church or Crematorium at which the service will take place, as of May 17th. Each service location has completed it's own risk assessment and come to a decision on the safe number of mourners that can be accommodated. Factors including air flow, social distance, movements within each building will have an impact on this number. 

An NHS Test and Trace document needs to be completed by the arranging client and kept for 3 weeks after the service, we will assist with this.

At the North Devon Crematorium the current restrictions imposed on us are:

• A maximum of 50 mourners at the service. 
• Face masks will be required to be worn inside the chapel.
• No bearing of the coffin, a wheeled bier will be used by 2 of our bearers, no family bearers.
• Social distancing needs to be maintained from anyone outside of your household.
• The catafalque doors will be closed before exiting the chapel.
• Anyone who has tested positive or who is required to self isolate are not able to attend the service at the crematorium, regardless of relationship to the deceased.
• Singing is currently not permitted.
• The current service time is either 25 minutes or 1 hour.

However for those unable to attend for whatever reason:

• Webcast is available with live, 28 day playback & recorded DVD's to allow those who cannot attend still participate in the service.

Burials can take place, with graveside services being permitted in all cemeteries and churchyards. At the graveside service we can still have a full service, with a minister or celebrant of your choice, service sheets, readings & music. We have our own P.A. system, so those speaking can be heard, and music can be played.

Most churches are now open again for services. However it is the individual church's decision whether they will open again yet or not. 

Each church has varying factors to consider as to whether or not to open and the maximum number of mourners that can be in attendance.

Where a church is open, the maximum number of mourners will be set by the individual church. Singing is also not permitted within any church.

Once the restrictions currently placed upon us, have been eased sufficiently we will able to assist the arrangement of memorial services to be held at your chosen location. We will arrange all aspects of this for you, as we would have done already for the funeral service.