Covid-19 Updates - updated 21/7/21 (Funeral Arrangements and Services)

Following the changes of the government announcement from the 19^th July the following will be in place for our premises and local Services.

Fawcett and Hetherington Policy
(Opening times 9.00am – 5.00 Mon-Thurs and 9.00 till 4.30pm Fri)

We are requesting that you still call ahead to make appointments to see loved ones or make arrangements and face coverings are still to be worn when entering the building, we have clinically vulnerable staff working within our offices and with the local covid rates being high we want to protect them, also, currently, if one of our staff members contract covid our business would have to close for 10 days causing a problem for forthcoming funerals.

• Arrangements – If it is not possible for you to come into our building to arrange a funeral we will come to your house however we will only do the arrangement with up to 4 members of family and we will be politely requesting a face covering is worn to protect you, your family and ourselves – we come into contact with lots of people daily so want to keep as many people as we can safe.
• Limousines – We are still limiting our limousines to 6 mourners, however this can be from mixed families, and the use of face coverings is still mandatory.
• Services in our Chapel – Up to 34 people may attend and face coverings are to be worn when entering the building but maybe removed once seated. Windows will be opened to help with ventilation and singing will be allowed.

Kirkleatham Crematorium Policy

• Limit on attendees – There will be no limit on the number of people who can attend a service. If you are expecting a large service, please book a double slot to avoid services overrunning their allotted time slot. The time between services allows our staff to perform a full and extensive clean down of all public areas.
• Face coverings – It will no longer be mandatory for people to wear face masks while inside the chapel, but we do ask people to be sympathetic towards others who still wish to wear a face mask. We would highlight the continued guidance that emphasises wearing a face covering reduces the transmission rate.
• Social distancing – All seating will be back to normal, and there will be no social distancing rules within our facilities. We do however ask people to be mindful of others while attending services.
• Ventilation – To help reduce the rate of internal transmission, we will continue to open windows in our chapels where we can.
• Foyer – No, the foyer is still for chapel attendants and funeral directors use only. Doors are to be kept open and speakers on for larger services.
• Singing in the chapel - will be allowed but hymn books will not be used just yet.

Teesside Crematorium Policy

Local Public Health guidance will regulate any requirements based on case numbers and variants
We therefore recommend the following maximum number of attendee’s.

•  St Bede’s Chapel = 60
• St Hilda’s Chapel = 30

We will also in the interest of covid security recommend:

Wearing of face masks/coverings in chapels.
Social Distancing in Chapels
Use of hand sanitizer provided
No singing by mourners

Stockton Crematorium Policy
Local Public Health guidance will regulate any requirements based on case numbers and variants
The chapels will have the following maximum number of  attendee’s.

• Maplewood Chapel – 120
• Bluebell Chapel - 50

The waiting rooms will remain closed and the lobbies will not be available.  Once capacity in the Chapels is reached remaining attendee’s can observe from outside where the television will be provided. Chapel Attendants will monitor numbers accessing the Chapel and will advise once capacity has been reached.

In line with government guidance for crowded areas mask wearing is not mandatory however it is expected and recommend that all attendees wear masks/ facing coverings when in the Chapels. Hand sanitisers will continue to be provided and be expected to be used.