Planning a funeral during the pandemic

IT’S been many months since the onset of the Covid-19 outbreak, and the rules for organising a funeral service – including how many relatives and friends are allowed to attend – are continually changing. But, thanks to its long history of working in communities across the country, Co-op Funeralcare has the expertise and experience to help you overcome the current challenges of arranging a loved one’s funeral service and answer any questions you have.

How can I organise a service in the pandemic?

Q

You can only visit a

A

funeral home with an appointment, but a service can be arranged over the phone. Co-op Funeralcare is still arranging funerals and knowledgeable staff are on hand 24/7, seven days a week to help you make plans.

How different are funerals right now?

Currently funeral services have had to be adapted under social distancing guidelines, and the numbers permitted to attend vary in different regions across Britain. The rules can also vary depending on a particular venue. Your local funeral director can advise you.

Can funerals be live-streamed for those who can’t attend?

Yes, many crematoriums A

now have the facility to live-stream or record funeral services.

Can I still visit my loved Q one in the chapel of rest? You can still visit loved A

ones in the care of Co-op Funeralcare, but this is limited to a maximum of two visitors.

Are there special ways that I can say goodbye to a loved one at this time?

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You could use social

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media, where friends and family upload pictures and memories of your loved one. Setting Covid-19 aside, there are lots of ways to personalise a funeral. This can be simple, such as the Co-op Funeralcare team wearing ties in your loved one’s favourite colour at the service; or something more, such as a picture coffin with touching images from their life. Or planting seeds or a memorial tree. You have the freedom to make your unique goodbye as special as they were.