funeral-industry-news
Written 132 posts
COVID-19: Guidance Update and Move to ‘Beyond level 0’ on 9 August
4th August 2021
Yesterday, 3 August 2021, the First Minister announced that all of Scotland will move beyond level 0 on 9 August, and advised on the continued use of protective measures. The restrictions easing from 9 August 2021 which the funeral sector will wish to be aware of specifically are: The legal requirement for physical distancing restrictions…
Emergency Legislation Update
20th July 2021
The UK Coronavirus Act 2020 allows Scottish Ministers to suspend the effect of certain provisions in the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016 and the Cremation (Scotland) Regulations 2019. On 8 April 2020, the Scottish Ministers published determinations under the UK Coronavirus Act 2020, which had implications for applications for cremation and the handling of…
First Minister announces further easing of restrictions from 19 July 2021.
14th July 2021
Yesterday (13 July 2021) the First Minister of Scotland announced that all of Scotland will move to a slightly modified Protection Level 0 on 19 July 2021. The easings from 19 July 2021 which the funeral sector will wish to be aware of specifically are: Up to 200 people will be able to…
COVID-19: Those attending funerals for the purpose of work are not included in the maximum permitted numbers at funerals
7th July 2021
The maximum attendance limit for funeral services and post-funeral gatherings is set out in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) protection levels. Those maximum limits are: Level 4 – funeral services 20; no post-funeral gatherings Level 3 – funeral services 50; post-funeral gatherings 50 Level 2 – funeral services 50; post-funeral gatherings 50 Level 1 – funeral services…
Burial authorities, cremation authorities and funeral directors are reminded that they continue to be strongly advised to collect Test and Protect details from all funeral attendees.
5th July 2021
Updated Test and Protect guidance now advises premises to collect contact details for all visitors where previously the lead household member’s details were sufficient. If premises allow visitors to provide their details digitally or in advance, contact information only needs to be collected on-site for those who have not yet provided this information. This measure…
Consultation on ‘Beyond Level 0’ Restrictions – Deadline 6th July 2021
1st July 2021
The First Minister announced on Tuesday the 22 June that all of Scotland will be moving to Level 0 on 19 July, if the data continues to support that. Following this the intention is then to move beyond Level 0 on 9 August. The Scottish Government will advise on the continued use of certain baseline…
COVID-19: Funeral Guidance Updated
25th June 2021
On Tuesday 22nd June, we published a blog outlining upcoming relaxation of funeral restrictions. We have now updated our guidance to reflect these changes: Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for funeral services Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for funeral directors Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for burial and cremation authorities A change to regulations that will…
COVID-19: Easing funeral restrictions from 28 June 2021, Scotland’s Review of Physical Distancing and an Update to Scotland’s Strategic Framework
22nd June 2021
Funeral restrictions Today (22 June) The first Minister confirmed a number of important relaxations to funeral restrictions to take place from Monday 28 June. These relaxations are: A change to regulations that will allow members from more than one household to carry the coffin indoors and outdoors at a funeral service and to…
Update to Scottish Funeral Services Guidance – Singing, Chanting and Music
9th June 2021
The Scottish Government has updated its Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for funeral services with respect to singing, chanting and music in small groups from level 2. At protection levels 0-2, a small group of singers and/or musicians can perform at the funeral service. In all cases, this is provided the appropriate mitigations and safeguards…
Update to Funeral Services Guidance – Singing
2nd June 2021
The Scottish Government has updated its Guidance for Funeral Services with respect to singing. Those organising a funeral service should consider using music recordings that may be available to them. However, communal singing involving those attending the funeral service can take place at levels 0-1. A risk assessment should be carried out to consider…