Select a region
As efforts continue to try and contain and delay the spread of covid-19 across Guernsey, new guidance has been issued for funerals which will impact people grieving loved ones lost to the virus, as well as anyone who passes away for another reason during the pandemic.
The island's funeral directors have been involved in the planning, and will liaise with families as they make their own arrangements going forward.
The guidance which will affect families planning funerals can be downloaded HERE.
It includes details about the number of mourners allowed to attend, which for now will only include immediate family members only, or if the deceased was not close to their family, close friends will be allowed to attend.
Immediate family is defined as the spouse or partner of the deceased along with children, parents and grandchildren. A strict limit on the number of immediate family members who can attend within the definition will not be applied, but will be subject to the discretion and agreement of both the Funeral Director and person leading the ceremony.
Social distancing rules must be adhered to even at funerals, with advice that "no kissing, hugging or hand-holding should take place" and that hand hygiene "must be followed".
Anyone who is considered at higher risk of catching covid-19 is encouraged not to attend a funeral at this time. Families will be invited to consider a memorial service or thanksgiving service at a later date when the pandemic is over.
Pictured: Deputy Gavin St Pier, speaking at a recent press briefing.
It's also been confirmed that as part of wider preparations to deal with the corona virus pandemic, a temporary mortuary facility has been set up.
It was needed to ensure there is a "separate, safe and secure location" for those individuals who pass away and "are known or suspected to have been suffering from covid-19".
The exact location of the temporary mortuary is known to Express but is not being publicised to ensure privacy for those individuals and their families.
Deputy Gavin St Pier, Chair of the Civil Contingencies Authority, said it is an "unpleasant" side effect of the pandemic, that the States must on this occasion dictate how funerals are held, and how we mourn our loved ones.
“Under normal circumstances, how people choose to mourn the loss of their loved one would, of course, be a matter for them alone. But it is a sad and inescapable reality that we must reduce the amount of contact we have with those not in our household and consideration has had to be given for how we can ensure funerals continue to be held as safely as possible.
"Limiting funerals to immediate family only for the time being is an unpleasant but necessary interference at one of the toughest times in people’s lives as they mourn their loss.
"We hope those who are grieving in this period understand that this is in the best interests of the community as a whole as we seek to reduce the spread of covid-19.”
Deputy St Pier has also said the guidance will be reviewed regularly and updated whenever the position changes, but for now the current permitted arrangements are as follows:
If a family is choosing a burial, it will be advised that a service is held at the graveside.
The cemetery at Le Foulon in St Peter Port allows non-denominational burials, and non- denominational burials may also be allowed at other parochial cemeteries, with details available from local funeral directors.
Some religious beliefs require the deceased to be buried within 24 hours of death and while every effort will be made to accommodate such requirements, this must be discussed as early as possible to ensure that the necessary arrangements are put in place.
The full guidance can be downloaded HERE.
Pictured top: Le Foulon cemetery and crematorium.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.