Decision details

Government guidance on the recommended wearing of face coverings updated to include ‘funeral directors’ and ‘places of worship’, and although neither of these categories specifically covers cemeteries and crematoria, it is understood that the intention is that face coverings should be worn at ‘funerals in enclosed spaces’, e.g. cemetery and crematorium chapels. However, it has been acknowledged that there may be times when face coverings are impractical and Public Health England will be updating their Guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic to reflect this.
The ICCM therefore recommends that face coverings are currently advised but that they will be required from 8 August 2020, subject to any recommendations in the revised Public Health England guidance once it is published.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Government guidance recommends that a supply of face coverings is available in case people arrive without one; to be arranged for first week only.
It is not recommended that people are refused entry to a funeral service if they don’t have a face covering but are able to maintain social distancing.
Appropriate signage to be displayed.

Equality Impacts:
Government guidance states that in settings where face coverings are required in England, there are some circumstances, for example health, age or equality reasons, where people are not expected to wear face coverings.

Due to Government guidance that face coverings will be required from 8 August 2020 at funerals in enclosed spaces, e.g. cemetery and crematorium chapels, no alternative options were considered.

Reason: To adhere to updated Government guidance to protect public health.

Due to Government guidance that face coverings will be required from 8 August 2020 at funerals in enclosed spaces, e.g. cemetery and crematorium chapels, no alternative options were considered.