New guidance affecting funeral numbers

SAIF is pleased to see clarification from the Government that funerals can be attended by up to 30 people in places of worship in England. The new rules state: 

Funerals should have no more than 30 people in attendance. Attendance should also be within the capacity limits of the premises so that social distancing can be strictly adhered to. In some cases that may be less than 30 people. 

Crucially, the definition of a place of worship includes what we interpret to mean crematoria chapels:

A place of worship refers to a building used for regular religious ceremonies, communal worship or similar gatherings by religious organisations. It includes the use of surrounding grounds, for example, adjoining car parks, courtyards or gardens for which the venue managers are also responsible.

The guidance also covers premises when being used for religious gatherings, even when their primary purpose is not for religious gatherings, such as a community centre. These premises will only be able to be used where they are permitted to be open and additional guidance may be applicable.

Further details can be found here. 

It is important to be aware of local rules set by each venue and that there are likely to be restrictions for activities like singing, which may carry the risk of projecting potentially virus-carrying aerosols further than normal speech. Further information about this is available here. 

Information about restrictions in Northern Ireland can be found here. We are awaiting details from the Welsh Government about funeral numbers and will update as soon as we receive information.