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As you will be aware, we are currently facing the threat of a coronavirus epidemic. As a responsible business, we are thinking of possible impacts on funerals already organised and those yet to be planned in the coming weeks and months.

We would like to provide reassurance that our commitment to caring for bereaved people and their loved ones will remain steadfast throughout this period of uncertainty and disruption.

In our efforts to protect families and everyone involved in arranging funerals, we are considering a range of infection control options in line with the latest advice given by Public Health England. We are also working with partners, such as local crematoria and burial grounds, to ensure we comply with their coronavirus procedures.

As such, if we find ourselves in a position of increased risk to health, and at risk of furthering the spread of coronavirus, it is possible that we may need to take the following actions:

• Funeral arrangements being made entirely over the phone, with a visit to a controlled area of our office for form signing with limited face-to-face contact. We would not be able to conduct arrangements at clients’ homes or other venues.
• Services at places of worship have been cancelled. We would be happy to arrange a memorial or thanksgiving service at a church or another venue at a later date, when the risk has passed.
• Services at Crematoriums could be cancelled. This could result in funeral services at crematoria being ‘livestreamed’ via the internet. We would provide advice ensuring everyone who needs to view the service is able to do so. Our staff may also be required to wait outside any chapel or building during services, whilst remaining on hand to offer assistance, support and guidance.
• Service times at crematoria could be adjusted and/or reduced to allow for increased demand for services.
• Limousine travel supplied by Beacon Funeral Services Ltd has been cancelled. Family members and mourners need to make their own way to the place of the funeral.
• In the case of coronavirus related deaths, we may have to arrange a prompt funeral to prevent unnecessary storage and handling of the deceased.
• We may not be offering our hygienic treatment (embalming) during this period.
• Outside organisations will impose rules and restrictions – we will adapt our working practices to follow these.

We ask that all visitors to our office are aware of the following:

We have hand sanitiser in our main reception, please help us to keep you safe by using it. Our staff sometimes find that a client will want to give them a kiss or hug to say thank you for supporting them through a difficult time. We politely ask that you refrain from doing this during this period.

Thank you for your understanding at this difficult time.

Gary Arnold and all my staff