Coronavirus – Covid 19 restrictions on funerals

Last updated April 2022

Covid 19 restrictions on funerals

At midnight on the 24th March 2022 the Coronavirus Act 2020 came to an end, which means that any restrictions previously applied to funerals have been lifted. Most restrictions had already been eased prior to that date.

The process of registering a death has reverted to in person appointments (rather than telephone appointments as was the case during Covid restrictions). We are finding that it now takes longer to get an appointment unfortunately, so please do not delay requesting an appointment once the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been issued.

At points during the Covid-19 Pandemic, there were restrictions on funerals, particularly in terms of how many can attend a funeral (at one point there was a limit of 30 people). These restrictions were largely lifted from July 2021.

Each venue will have their own legacy policies – for example, hymn books may not be provided or the wearing of face coverings recommended. Please contact us or the specific venue for more detailed guidance if needed.

Burial funerals without a church service may need to be graveside only due to some cemetery chapels remaining closed, this is a legacy of the Covid restrictions, but may also be due to a lack of resources.

So from our perspective, funerals are running normally, with large attendances allowed. However, we have seen a general shift towards smaller, more intimate ceremonies as some families continue to opt for a more simple, informal style despite the ending of Covid restrictions.

We will work with you to help you achieve the right funeral for your family, whether an unattended funeral (Direct Cremation),  an attended simple funeral with no formal service (No Fuss Pre-10am Cremation) or you would like a service led for you by a celebrant or minister with additional personal touch points (Personalised Cremation).

We do also offer a unique choice at GreenAcres Chiltern or Clandon Wood for a cremation funeral – when you feel a need for private, unhurried time (read more about this option here).

We have provided a list of venues suitable for a funeral reception here.