Guidance update on funerals

This week the Scottish Government has updated its advice for people attending funerals.

The guidance now states that funeral services should be limited to 20 people.

This does not including the funeral director, venue staff or celebrant.

The numbers of attendees will also be based on the size of the venue and its ability to maintain strict physical distancing measures, so the number able to attend may be less than this

All attendees must maintain at least a two-metre distance from each other at all times (except where they are from the same household, or a carer and the person is assisted by the carer).

If available, those who cannot attend in person should consider joining remotely via electronic means or viewing a recording of the service and

all attendees should maintain good hand and cough hygiene, both before and after attending a service.

Face coverings should be considered, particularly in enclosed spaces.

If a person is symptomatic (showing symptoms of COVID-19 infection) or has tested positive with COVID-19 they must not attend a funeral service in person.

And if a person is not symptomatic or a confirmed COVID-19 case, but is self-isolating due to another member of their household either showing symptoms of the virus, or their household member has tested positive with COVID-19, that person must seriously consider not attending a funeral service in person.

If someone is self-isolating as a result of contact tracing, they must seriously consider not attending a funeral service.

For more guidance see: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-funeral-services/pages/overview/