Following recent conversations with The Department of Health (Stormont) (DOH), The Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD), British Institute of Embalmers (BIE) & NI Public Health Agency (PHA) we will endeavour to provide information on the precautions we are implementing regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). These precautions are for the safety of our staff, the families we serve and the greater community.
As we enter the incoming weeks and due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) some of the services we currently provide may be affected. It must be noted that if the advice from DOH, IAFD, NAFD, BIE or PHA dictates differently from this at any time in the future we will be obliged to adhere to same. We will ensure to update this information promptly, if and when it becomes available. Our team are available 24 hours a day for support and advice to anyone in their time of need.
We have put in place a number of specific infection control measures in line with government regulations, (as a precautionary measure), to help towards the containment of COVID-19 for the benefit of all and which are listed below,
● We ask that initial contact be made by telephone where possible, whereby we offer a 24-hour personal service.
● We would advise that all wakes and funerals should be private, immediate family only
● Burials will take place as normal, however, we are asking mourners at the graveside to be mindful of public health advice around social distancing.
● Anyone who is feeling unwell should NOT attend any funeral service.
● Pregnant woman, elderly and the immune- compromised are advised not to attend the funeral.
● Where possible we will endeavour to live stream funerals for the greater public
● Friends of the deceased are encouraged to leave messages of condolences in the condolences section of death notices on our website.
● Sanitising products will be installed in all our funeral vehicles.
● All our “Wake House Furnishings” will be thoroughly sanitised between each use
● All visiting guests to our Offices, will be asked to sanitise their hands on both entering and leaving our premises
● In the days and weeks to come families may choose to have a separate ‘memorial service’ or ‘celebration of life’ for wider family and friends at a later date.
● Belfast City Council has restricted attendance at cremation services held in Roselawn Crematorium to Funeral Directors only from Monday 23rd March 2020. This unfortunately means that families of the deceased will not be permitted to attend the cremation service.
● We will continue to engage with the DOH, NAFD, BIE & PHA on a daily basis, in a bid to obtain the most up to date information that is available.
● Our Funeral Directors / Operatives will be updated daily on the latest safety procedures, enabling them to advise and guide grieving families whom we serve, on best practices at wakes and funerals.
It is critical for us all that we act wisely. Our aim is to continue to provide an unrivalled level of service to the deceased and to the bereaved families we serve, whilst retaining the highest level of safety of everyone concerned. We are honoured to be able to care for our community in what is currently a very difficult time for all. Our team are available 24 hours a day for support and advice to anyone in their time of need.
Should you require any further information please contact us on 028 82840806