Coronavirus/COVID 19 Update

As many of you are aware the situation on coronavirus/COVID-19 is changing daily. We will use this area to keep you as updated as we are. We want to assure you that we are taking every step possible to ensure that any funerals we carry out are done so with the interest of our clients and our staff’s health being taken into consideration at all times. We will add to the points below when necessary:

IF YOU FEEL YOU CANNOT ATTEND A FUNERAL

(Please note, we will need to get approval from the family before any of the following is given):

· All local crematoriums offer a recorded and live-streaming service of the funerals which take place there. If anyone feels they are unable to attend the service due to the situation, please do not hesitate to contact us so we can put this facility in place for any upcoming service. For burials, and other funerals in remote locations we can offer recording and live-streaming via a private online group.

· Contact us if you would like a copy of the service sheet

· Messages, photos, tributes and donations can be left on this website, under ‘online tributes and donations’

IF YOU ARE ATTENDING A FUNERAL

(Information Provided By the National Association Of Funeral Directors (of which we are a member)):

FEEDBACK FROM CABINET OFFICE MEETING

In the meeting with the Cabinet Office, the government took on board our requests for further clarification on specific matters, support with access to equipment (particularly PPE) and for additional advice and support as the situation develops.

The key outcome is that funerals should continue, as far as possible, for now, but taking into account all of the guidelines issued by government for minimising the risk of transmission. This includes the need to protect at-risk groups, to avoid large gatherings of people, for good hand hygiene and the avoiding of unnecessary physical contact. This is not only for the benefit of those attending funerals, it also supports the urgent need to protect funeral home, crematorium and cemetery employees, who need to remain healthy and able to work at this critical time.

In consultation with their local crematoria and cemeteries Funeral homes and families should assess each funeral individually and consider whether it might mean smaller numbers of people and organising a celebration of life or memorial service planned for a later date. Alternatives such as webcasting may enable other mourners to participate.

We will be sending a guidance document to you, tomorrow, to support you in undertaking this assessment. It will ask you to think about issues such as:

the age profile of the deceased and mourners
the type of funeral service requested
the number of mourners
your ability to carry it out safely and within the government’s guidelines

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION (from Mark Skinner):

· Deep cleaning of all areas within our premises including vehicles and equipment will be carried out on a frequent basis as per the recommended guidelines from the National Association of Funeral Directors and Public Health England.

· Both of our offices have WC facilities with hand sanitizer and tissues readily available for client and staff use.

· When arranging a funeral, we are offering our families both remote and face to face contact. In the case that you would prefer to discuss arrangements remotely we can offer communication via telephone, email or video calling. We will not be offended should you prefer to do this, so please do not hesitate to ask. We will accommodate all of your needs and preferences during this time with the upmost level of care.

· We are fully prepared to care for people that have passed away with Coronavirus/COVID-19, in line with the government and industry guidelines. This could mean that our team may be wearing personal protective equipment. This is for their welfare, and to reduce contamination and spread of infection for others.

We understand this can be quite a scary time for everyone, especially the most vulnerable, but please be assured we have the recommended measures in place and are working continuously with professionals within the industry to provide our high level of care to both families and their loved ones during this difficult time. Please do not be afraid to contact us day or night should you have any question or concerns via telephone or email. Thetford – 01842 752197, Brandon: 01842 810534 Email: info@mark-skinner.org.uk

Mark and the team.