Government advice on Funerals

Information correct as at time of publishing: 08 April 2020

Communities, organisations and individuals are strongly advised to take action to reduce the risk of spreading the infection among mourners who are gathered to pay their respects, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable people. This includes:

  • restricting the number of mourners who attend so that a safe distance of at least 2 metres (3 steps) can be maintained between individuals

  • only the following should attend:

    • members of the person’s household

    • close family members

    • if the deceased has neither household or family members in attendance, then it is possible for a modest number friends to attend

  • mourners should also follow the advice on social distancing when travelling to and from the funeral gathering.

  • individuals who have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), or who are part of a household where someone has symptoms, or who are vulnerable to severe infection should not participate in rituals or religious gatherings

  • mourners should not take part in rituals or practices that bring them into close contact with the body. Contact with the body should be restricted to those who are wearing PPE and have been trained in the appropriate use of PPE

CiC International