Corona Virus update - COVID-19
Latest Update: 4th April 2020
For the protection of our staff and the public that we serve we would ask that consideration is given as to whether a face to face meeting is necessary during the current situation. Our phones will continue to be answered 24 /7 by our local staff and we are still able to meet with you by appointment as required.
Our current internal guidance can be viewed via this link. We are in constant contact with our professional associations and advisors in order to keep updated about this very fast moving situation. Please do not be offended if our staff do not offer to shake your hand, they have been instructed not to do so.
Thank you for your help and understanding during these uncertain times.
A.W. Lymn Staff Update: To view our internal staff update: CLICK HERE
Update from the NAFD - National Association of Funeral Directors
While funerals have been excluded from the ban on events taking place, announced on the evening of 23 March, it is absolutely vital that funeral services
abide by the objectives set out in the Government’s guidance and do not create an unnecessary risk of transmitting COVID-19 between those in attendance.
We will be clarifying a number of questions with the government tomorrow, including the maximum number of people that can attend a funeral – but our initial
advice is as follows:
Funeral homes will remain open, but funerals should be arranged over the phone or via other electronic means, wherever possible. If a funeral must
be arranged in person, please selected one representative from the family to attend alone who must respect the social distancing guidance – keep
two metres apart, wash hands frequently and cough or sneeze into a tissue/crook of your elbow.
Do not arrange a funeral in person if anyone involved has symptoms or should be self-isolating, in accordance with government advice, or if the cause
of death is confirmed as COVID-19. If the cause of death is confirmed as being COVID-19 then please arrange the funeral for a date as soon as possible
after the self-isolation period has ended, but do not wait until this time to make the arrangements. It is vital that we do all we can to reduce
the spread of the virus and that funeral service employees (who are key workers) can remain healthy and able to continue supporting bereaved families.
Viewing should ideal be done prior to the deceased person being moved from the home or hospital. If this is not possible and you still wish to view
the deceased person by visiting the Chapel of Rest, please make arrangements with your funeral director for specific times and limit the numbers
attending at any one time to those living in the same household, At-risk groups are strongly urged not to visit.
Funeral services should be restricted to the smallest possible number of attendees – the advice being immediate family only - and at-risk groups are
urged not to attend.
Due to the space available within the Limousines social distancing guidance cannot be followed and so these will no longer be provided.
Webcasting/live streaming of the funeral service (using professional or personal devices) may still be possible – thereby enabling other mourners to
still participate without putting themselves and others at risk of harm.
Please don’t publicly advertise the funeral details to reduce the risk of other, well-meaning mourners arriving unexpectedly. They may be turned away
at the door, which could be distressing for them and the bereaved family. It will also place funeral key workers at unnecessary risk of harm.
During the service, all mourners should remain two metres apart from anyone not living in their household at all times. Refrain from making physical
contact with anyone outside of your household.
All charitable collections should be done online.
We understand this advice may be very difficult for families, and will do everything we can to help you say good bye – and perhaps plan a celebration
of the person’s life in the months to come – but it is vitally important we respect Government guidance for social distancing, to help stop the
spread of COVID-19.
Please note it is a legal requirement that all cemeteries and crematorium remain closed for anything other than funerals during the period of this pandemic.
Follow the link for the BBC's simple test to see if you may have the virus:
CLICK HERE
