CORONAVIRUS – COVID-19

updated 18th December 2020

I am currently well and following Government recommendations. If you would like my help to honour a loved one during the current crisis I will be available to conduct funerals though with the following restrictions.

Home Visits
As Humanist Ceremonies are personal and detailed about the life and personality of the deceased this normally involves at least a 2 hour family meeting. I currently can’t offer home visits, instead we can meet remotely either by phone or video link such as Zoom, or Google Meet. We will then work together to put the ceremony together via email, phone or again video link. I will spend as much time as needed to work with you to reassure you in the build up to the funeral.

Crematorium
The latest Government ruling is that funerals should be restricted to a maximum of 30 people, but ‘advice’ is to have the smallest possible number of attendees – ideally only immediate family but no one in the high risks groups or anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19. Even then all mourners should remain 2 metres apart from anyone not living in their household. Masks must be worn before and throughout the service unless speaking from the lectern. Your Funeral Director will advise you on all other arrangements and restrictions.

Live Streaming \ Recordings
Many Crematoriums offer webcasting\live streaming using professional services for those who are unable to attend or you can live stream the ceremony yourself. As live streaming is relying on connectivity it may be worth asking for a professional recording, or recording a video on your phone which you can share later.

Burials
Graveside committals only again only attended by immediate family and mourners to remain 2 metres apart from anyone not living in their household.

Order of Service \ Presentation Scripts
Sadly no hard copies can be distributed at the funeral. I will send an electronic copy of the Presentation Script after the ceremony to the principal mourner.

Future Memorials
As only small, shorter family funerals, or even only direct, unattended cremations are currently taking place I would be able to help plan a full celebration of the person’s life in a more detailed Memorial event once it’s safe for groups to gather again.

Network backup
If I have created the script but then have to self isolate on the actual date of the funeral I will contact the Humanist Celebrant network to find a colleague who will be able to conduct the ceremony on my behalf.

If you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to contact me.