CORONAVIRUS
(COVID – 19) UPDATE
We understand that this is an anxious time for everybody,
all the more so when you are bereaved and trying to arrange a funeral for your loved one. We were therefore wanting to let you know the current situation and how this may affect
you.
Our offices will remain open (9.00am – 4.00pm, Monday -
Friday) until such a time as it becomes impractical or the Government dictates otherwise. During this period of heightened concern for everyone’s health and safety however, we have taken the decision
to not offer any home arrangements. In the same way, we will also not be visiting homes to make arrangements for pre-paid plans. This not only assists with protecting you, but also our staff. We are
regularly cleaning our offices ensuring that we are disinfecting door handles alongside surfaces and bannisters to help minimalize risk. In the same way, if you are feeling remotely unwell, please
don’t come to our offices and if you have a pre-existing appoint with us, please cancel and rearrange.
Because our offices are remaining open, you are still able
to make arrangements for both funerals and pre-paid funeral plans, but it would mean that you would either need to meet with us in our Westbury or Trowbridge offices. It would also be appreciated if
you could call ahead to make an appointment. If you are uncomfortable about coming to our offices but require our services, please let us know and we can make arrangements with you
remotely.
Below, we have listed the current measures that both of our
local Crematoriums, Haycombe and West Wiltshire, Semington have implemented to assist in keeping everyone safe and preventing the further spread of this virus where
possible.
PROVISION OF HYMN
BOOKS
The decision has been taken to temporarily remove all hymn
books from our Chapels. We believe that this will help to reduce the risk of virus transmission between individuals attending different services during the day.
CLOSING OF
CURTAINS
The curtains will be closed around the coffin at the point
of committal. This will ensure that mourners and attendees are not encouraged to touch, kiss or come into contact with the coffin at any point.
PALL BEARING
In order to limit human contact and proximity, and therefore
to protect both Crematorium teams and Funeral Directors, we will be encouraging Funeral Directors for all services to make use of wheeled biers to bring coffins into the Chapel, rather than
carrying.
ATTENDANCE OF MOURNERS WHO ARE INFECTED BY
COVID-19 OR ARE SELF-ISOLATING
It is absolutely crucial that we protect Crematorium staff,
Funeral Directors staff, and members of the public from undue risk. Under no circumstances will the Crematorium allow anyone who is infected with COVID-19, or who is self- isolating, to visit their
premises.
ATTENDANCE OF SERVICES
GENERALLY
As the government is now actively forbidding gatherings of
more than two people generally (with the exception of funerals at this time), congregation sizes at both Haycombe and West Wiltshire Crematoriums are limited to include immediate family only,
information on exact numbers can be given on request as this is an ever changing situation. Sensible measures should be taken to discourage wider circles of friends from attending. Please be aware
that plans for imminent funerals may have to change. Haycombe and West Wiltshire, Semington will continue to allow attended funerals to take place until such a time that the Government prevents
this.
RECORDING OF
SERVICES
Following government advice, individuals who are at risk of
contracting coronavirus should avoid attending public gatherings.
Live webcasts may be available, this would need to
be confirmed with the individual Crematoria site on enquiry. However it is possible to record the service for families that are unable to attend to view after the service. Rather than taking the form
of a DVD, this will be sent to you as a downloadable file. This will incur an additional cost.
CHURCH SERVICES
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued a statement as have the Catholic
Bishops Conference of England Wales indicating that funerals with Church services may still take place at the moment but with a small attendance. It is not a given that Church's will allow a service
to take place so this would need to be investigated upon enquiry. It may be best to look at having a small graveside service in the churchyard if burial or a small service at the Crematorium if
Cremation and then arrange a Memorial or Thanksgiving Service at a later date.
GENERAL
GUIDELINES
-Please use the facilities at Crematorium sites to wash your hands
with soap and water – before and after funeral services.
-Please catch coughs and sneezes in disposable tissues or on your
sleeve (not your hands), and then discard the tissue (and wash your hands).
-Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not
clean.
-Try to maintain a sensible (perhaps up to 2 metres/3
steps) clearance area between others, and should avoid social gestures such as shaking hands, kissing and hugging.
As you will know, this situation is ever evolving at a fast
pace, and guidance is changing by the hour. We will endeavour to keep you up to date of any changes as and when they occur.
If we are already arranging a funeral for your loved one,
please be assured of the best of our attention in letting you know of any changes or the implementation of any governmental measures that may affect the service we have arranged.
We may be somewhat restricted in the services that we are
able to offer at this time, but we are nonetheless here to help. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Take care and stay safe.
With best wishes,
Everyone at Elizabeth Snell & Family
Ltd.
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