Potential changes from 26th April
In an update from the Scottish Government on the 16th of March 2021, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that the number of people able to attend a funeral *may* increase from the 26th of April to 50.
In a staged process to ease the current lockdown the government writes on their website:
26 April
Subject to supply by mid-April, we plan to have offered the vaccine to priority vaccine groups 1-9, based on the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation advice for protecting the most vulnerable in our population. Assuming the data allows it, we expect a more significant reopening of the economy and society from 26 April. This will likely include the following easings (some of these activities/settings are already permitted/open in Level 3 island communities).
- weddings and funerals for up to 50 (including wakes and receptions with no alcohol permitted)
Until then the current maximum number of people able to attend a funeral is 20. When the new regulations do come into place please bear in mind that a 2 metre distance is required between mourners attending a funeral which may mean not all venues can host 50 people. Our team will be able to advise and help with this.
At Fosters we will do our utmost to ensure that your loved one has the best funeral possible in the current circumstances so we want to reassure customers that although attendances may be limited, our team are still offering the same services such as visiting, limousines, orders of services and flowers.
All Fosters limousines are fitted with protective Perspex screens and specialist air filtration devices ensuring a safety barrier is in place between the driver and families being transported to and from services.
The limousines are deep cleaned and carefully sterilised after each use and our drivers will also wear masks to provide additional peace of mind.
We understand that a funeral service is an important part of the grieving process therefore where larger groups wish to pay their respects the option to livestream the service may be available to enable more people to take part remotely .
Our staff will continue to adhere to government guidelines and practice strict hygiene and cleaning routines within our parlours. We request that all visits to the parlour are by appointment only so we can individually and collectively all do our part to limit the spread of the virus. We have stocks of facemasks and hand sanitisers and you’ll be asked to use these during your visit.
We also offer a Zoom video call service should you prefer to chat through funeral arrangements online rather than in person.
We’re happy to help so please contact us directly should you have any questions.
