17 May 2021, the guidance on using Funeral Services Sheffield and planning a funeral changed. People are no longer need to consider the number of attendees, rather the size of the venue.
The number of people allowed to attend a funeral is decided by the size of the venue and how many people it can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in situ. At Fair Cost Funeral Services Sheffield, we can help advise with a suitable choice of location. Please contact our friendly team on 0114 4387757
This maximum number includes anyone who is working in the venue at the time of the funeral. you will no longer need to consider the number of attendees, rather the size of the venue.
In order to establish the safe capacity of the venue, you should check with the manager of the establishment you are planning to use.
Changes to Wakes
For any religious, belief-based or commemorative events following a person’s death, like stone setting ceremonies, the scattering of ashes or a wake, the maximum number of individuals permitted to attend is 30.
This maximum limit doesn't include anyone performing at the event (music band, singers) but the particular number of individuals will depend upon what the venue can safely accommodate alongside staff.
Funeral wakes in Sheffield of up to 30 people can happen outdoors (including private gardens) or in a COVID-secure venue. Again our Funeral Services Sheffield Team can help advise you around the guidelines in place.
This guidance only applies in England.
Keeping people safe
There are actions everyone should consider when planning a funeral to reduce the chances of spreading COVID-19. These includes:
Wear a face covering when attending indoor places of worship, crematoriums and cemetery chapels (unless you're exempt for health, disability or other reasons)
Avoid meeting people in spaces with poor ventilation or no windows
Avoid singing, chanting and raising your voice, when indoors, this can increase the danger of spreading coronavirus.
Precautions to take when planning a funeral in Sheffield
Consider only inviting close friends and family
Organise remote participation, particularly for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, or self-isolating - We covered how to allow people to attend a funeral remotely in our blog Grief and Loss during the pandemic Click here for more information
Ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated.
Can people who are self-isolating still attend?
People who have COVID-19 symptoms or are self-isolating should not visit a funeral because of the risk to other people.
Individuals who are self-isolating should only go to a funeral if it's a close loved one like a partner, parent, sibling, child or grandparent.
They should seek extra guidance first and take extra care. In the case of a situation like this, we would always recommend the people affected to consider attending remotely. People who are self-isolating cannot attend commemorative events such as wakes.
The government's official advice on this is as follows:
'If you are legally required to self-isolate, you may only break self-isolation to attend a funeral if it is of a close family member (for example, a partner, parent, sibling, child or grandparent).
You must not break your isolation to attend other commemorative events under any circumstance. This would be a legal offence and you may be fined.'
Please call our Funeral Services Sheffield Team for more info.
Can people who are clinically extremely vulnerable attend a funeral in Sheffield?
People who are clinically extremely vulnerable can attend funerals. They should take extra precautions and follow the guidance on protecting people that are clinically extremely vulnerable.
Travelling to and from a funeral
On 17 May, guidance on staying overnight and travelling with others changed.
People are can now stay overnight in groups of 6 or 2 households.
People should still do what they can to minimise the danger when travelling to a funeral or wake by following the safer travel guidance.
Need to talk to us about our Funeral Services Sheffield? Contact us today and see how our friendly and professional services can help you through this difficult time.