Coronavirus and funerals

[Sallydally]

Hi,
Not sure if anyone can help me but thought It was worth asking. We lost a family member 2 weeks ago and we are hoping t be able to start planning her funeral next week. The problem is we have been told that a maximum of 12 people can attend at our local crematorium.
the funeral will be a burial but as all churches are closed, family wanted the service at the crematorium before burial. Now people are kicking off and saying they are not going to let just 12 people attend the funeral, they want as anyone who wants to come attend.
does anyone know how many people can attend a graveside service? I’m really struggling to get through to people without them flying off the handle that, unfortunately rules are rules. I understand people are grieving and want to give the best send off but we also have to follow the rules set out.
can people be turned away or police called if people are un Cooperative at a funeral?
(Non Covid death)
Thanks guys.

 

[JoeBloggs]

I know of three funerals, 2 have happened and one is on Tuesday. All had their numbers restricted and two were non covid.

I don’t know weather they will do anything but I suspect they will shut the gates and tell people to leave. I guess if it gets out of hand the police will be called.

As of Monday more people can meet so perhaps they will increase numbers? They must deal with this quite a bit so it might be worth giving them a call and explaining the situation and asking for their advice.

 

[Sallydally]

Thank you, can I ask how many were allowed to attend please? X

 

[JoeBloggs]

The first one happened very early on and was 6. The other one happened a few weeks later and was 6 and the one next week is 10. It’s been booked for a few weeks so pre announcement. They are all at different places so it seems numbers are dependant on size.

Sorry for your loss, the last thing you need is anger during this time. Been there and it’s not pleasant at all

 

[Ellsbells123]

Apparently it will be increased to 20, but I’m not sure when from. My parents are due to attend a funeral next Friday and it’s still only 10 allowed.

 

[Sallydally]

Thank you for your replies, I understand family members frustrations but there is just no compromising with them at the moment. I’m hoping once the funeral director speaks to them on Monday they will get through to them.
they seem to think if we arrange a service at the graveside then unlimited people can come as it’s outside trying to keep things civil is very difficult at the moment.

 

[no-no]

Sorry for your loss.

I went to a funeral the other day and it was... chaos. There was supposed to be a max of 10 at graveside, that was the rule but it was said they could switch so everyone got to say their goodbyes. Never happened. Literally 100 people all crowded round. People hugging and shaking hands. The funeral directors and priest were non-plussed.

I would be very surprised if there was an issue with more than 12 attending and if it’s different where you are maybe ask if you can rotate the 12, with immediate family taking priority? It wasn't pleasant being around such a big crowd and I tried to keep 2m from them all.

 

[sarah_1988]

Hi, what council/area would the funeral fall under?

 

[Sallydally]

Hi, what council/area would the funeral fall under?

hi, it’s Hampshire. X

 

[Sallydally]

Ok so funeral has been booked and family have said around 30 people will be attending graveside burial. Can people be turned away? Funeral postponed etc?
I told them again about restricted numbers but once again, their response was ‘we don’t care’
These people act like they’re the only ones to have gone through a death during this time. So bloody frustrating.

 

[Blahblahahaaa77]

There was a funeral in my town for an army major and 100’s of people lined the streets and were let into the crematorium... the police came but didn’t seem to do anything.
Sorry for your loss, it can’t be an easy thing to go through during these times!

 

[sarah_1988]

Dependant on what your council says it's 10 to 20 people max. I work for a funeral home and we have had to stop people which is obviously something we do not want to be doing especially when people are grieving. Sorry for your loss x

 

[Jennyie]

At my Dad’s funeral recently it was 15 max. This was Manchester. Each council varies.
They were very strict. No cars/people indoor allowed inside the ground except for funeral cars and other guests. They had security.

At my Dad’s funeral recently it was 15 max. This was Manchester. Each council varies.
They were very strict. No cars/people indoor allowed inside the ground except for funeral cars and other guests. They had security.

*people on foot not indoor