Update of the funeral parlour practices due to the recent Covid -19 virus.

The funeral parlour has swiftly had to implement several changes veering from our normal operating practices in light of the new Covid 19 virus, to fall in line with government recommendations that are required to protect grieving families and funeral staffs families.

 It seems evident that there is a shortage of the testing equipment for this virus within the NHS, and so, with that in mind, it is good practice to assume that everyone in society is a potential carrier of the virus, and, to treat everyone as such until the virus no longer exists. This practice will protect your family and the families of the funeral staff.

 In light of the above changes, the parlour is trying to limit the amount of people entering the premises. It feels unnatural to make all of the funeral arrangements via telephone and over the Internet, but less face to face contact will protect everyone involved. The lack of handshakes and consoling hugs has certainly left its mark on our staff, it feels callous not offering these gestures to grieving families.  Face to face meetings with Ministers and funeral celebrants are also being discouraged. The process is workable albeit harsh, because the business has had to work with families who are based abroad arranging funerals to take place in Chester, but it feels unnatural not meeting face to face at a time when you feel that you really need some personal contact.

 Changes will affect the way in which we look after your loved one. I'm sorry to admit this, but family viewings have had to cease until after the pandemic. Hair samples and fingerprints of clients are forbidden.

 On the funeral day, guests will be encouraged to arrive at the crematorium in separate vehicles in line with the social distancing rule presently in place by the government. Use of the limousine family car is available. There is room for upto six family members sitting in the rear of the car. The front passenger seat will remain vacant to ensure that the driver is kept a safe distance away from your family. Please ensure that your family wear face coverings while sitting in the limousine.

 The cemetery staff are limiting the family’s attendance to the funeral, allowing immediate family members only. This small list entiles;

• Parents/ Carers
• Partners/ Spouses
• Siblings
• Children

Maximum amount of guests attending any service is 30 people.

 All funeral attendees must wear facial coverings in the crematorium chapel

 Our premises can no longer host in-house funerals or Wakes.

 I can only express my sincerest apologies for bringing such awful news about the restrictions at a time when you have lost a loved one.