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.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 23/11/2020
Decision due: 5 Aug 2020 by Assistant Director Community Services
Lead member: Local Services Portfolio
Contact: Ian Thompson, Assistant Director Community Services Email: [email protected].
Consultation process
Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Local Services
and Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services.