Statement on Covid-19
Funerals are an essential part of our society and play a key role in the healing process following a loss and as such we are committed to providing funeral services throughout Scotland during the current crisis. As the situation with coronavirus escalates, and the human cost of the crisis comes to pass, we have had to adapt our services to ensure we continue to provide dignified funeral services for all of the bereaved including those directly impacted by the virus.
Latest Update:
From 8 August, everyone attending an indoor funeral service will be required by law to wear a face covering. This includes funeral services in crematoriums, funeral directors’ premises and places of worship. The cap on numbers of attendees at indoor and outdoor funeral services remains at no more than 20 people, and less than 20 people if the 2m physical distancing rules are not able to be adhered to.
Please see the Scottish Government’s latest blog post for the full update, including on the limited exceptions to the rule and other information.
The Scottish Government has stated that its guidance documents are in the process of being updated to reflect the new rule.
Re-introduction of Limousines
We are delighted to be able to once again offer our chauffeur-driven limousine service. For you and our colleagues safety we have implemented the following robust safety measures that will work alongside existing social distancing policies:
- Each vehicle has been fitted with a special air filtration system
- There is an enclosed bubble for the passengers to travel in which separates them from the driver
- Drivers will wear a protective mask when outside the vehicle
We’re applying social distancing guidelines
If you or someone in your household has a new and continuous cough or a high temperature, please don’t visit the funeral home in person, call us and we’ll support you. This is so important if we are to protect our funeral service for all the bereaved.
If it is essential for you to visit, we will ask you to respect the social distancing measures we have in place. This means maintaining a two-meter distance from colleagues and other customers at all times.
Arranging a Funeral or Pre-Payment Plan
In order to protect the most vulnerable in our society, look after your health and our own we are asking our clients to arrange as much of the funeral as possible via the telephone or video conferencing. Where that’s not possible there should be no more than two family members in attendance in the funeral home so making an appointment to attend is important so we can be there to support you.
Visiting Your Loved One
We know that visiting your loved one is one of the most cherished parts of any funeral and we will continue to provide this service but request that you do this in a way that allows us to maintain a safe working environment for our colleagues. We ask that visits are made only by appointment and with no more than four people at a given time.
In the event of a death related to Covid-19 we can still make arrangements for close family to visit and our teams will guide you through this, just call us for advice and support.
The Day of The Funeral
The Scottish Government have advised us that funerals remain exempt from the lockdown but said this should be restricted to immediate family only.
Crematorium and burial grounds provide us with guidance about the number of people that can attend the service in person, and we will clarify this with you. In addition, many of them can provide a live streaming service to allow others to participate who can be there in person.
As stated above we are also able to offer our limousine service to families once more.
Ongoing updates
We are basing our decisions on the joint advice from the Department of Health and Social Care, Health Protection Scotland, Centre for Disease Control, Health and Safety Executive and the National Association of Funeral Directors.
We will update this page as the advice changes and to ensure continued care for the families we look after and the colleges who provide the services to those in our care.
Thank you from the Fosters Team.
