What are the latest guidelines surrounding funerals in South Shields?

How have funerals changed?

Funeral directors have continually adapted the service they offer to ensure they meet changing government guidance while still giving families respectful funerals for their loved ones.

At the start of the lockdown, most funerals were restricted to very small numbers of people.

However, many crematoriums and other venues have adapted spaces to increase numbers who can attend while maintaining social distancing. This means there is much variation at a local level.

Funeral directors will be able to advise on what your options are. Fifteen people are currently able to attend a service at South Shields Crematorium.

Loved ones can be buried or cremated and directors are able to arrange flowers and you can also have readings, music and a hearse.

The Government has now made it compulsory, with some exemptions, to wear face coverings when visiting funeral directors or attending services in crematoriums, chapels and churches.

Directors and colleagues are supplied with face coverings too and it is recommended that they wear them at all times when interacting with visitors at a socially acceptable distance.

Are religious venues open again?

In recent weeks many religious venues have begun to reopen and the Church of England is once again allowing funerals in its churches.

Of course, due to social distancing rules, there may still be a limit of attendees as well as other restrictions but you can rely on your funeral director to find out what they are for you.

What are the new ways of participating in funerals?

Even with relaxations to restrictions around social distancing, it is still important for the most vulnerable to stay away from gatherings of people if they can.

During lockdown, funeral directors have found more people showing an interest in live streaming funerals over the internet.

Many clients have said how surprised they have been that viewing online gave them a feeling of participation.

Availability of live-streaming will depend on where the funeral is held. But both South Shields and Tynemouth crematoriums have live-streaming capability as well as the opportunity to request a recording.

Funeral directors have also thought of other ways for people to participate in funerals from home.

For example, sharing orders of service, readings and hymns with people who are unable to attend so that they know when, where and how services will take place and can take a moment at home to remember the deceased.

How can bereaved now make arrangements?

Peter Johnson funeral directors, in South Shields, can now see two family members at a time in branch by advance appointment and also has procedures in place for arranging funerals with people affected by Covid-19 or who are self isolating.

Frequently asked questions are also answered on the Dignity website at www.dignityfunerals.co.uk

What does the future hold?

Peter Johnson says that, for the safety of employees and the families it serves, funerals may not return to how people knew them before for a while.

Funeral directors across South Shields, however, will continue to work tirelessly to provide the best possible service for families.

Information kindly provided by Peter Johnson funeral directors, in South Shields, which is part of funeral company Dignity.

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