The Prime Minister has announced this week that we can move to stage 4 of the Government Road Map from Monday 19th July. From this date many of the restrictions will be lifted. As a result of the announcement there are changes within our local bereavement services and at our funeral home.
Peterborough Crematorium:
We have been informed by Peterborough City Council, that Peterborough Crematorium will now be able to safely seat 80 mourners inside the chapel. The outside screens will be available with no restriction on numbers. The crematorium recommends that all mourners attending a service wear a face mask, and to social distance where possible to ensure their own safety, and the safety of all staff. They recognise that singing, playing some musical instruments, and shouting increases the risk of transmission through small droplets and aerosols, therefore they will continue to have no singing in the chapel unless this is a by a professional singer(s) where any performers should be positioned in a way that avoids face-to-face performance, as far as possible.
Peterborough City Council Cemeteries:
There is no limit to the number of attendees at funerals within the cemeteries of Peterborough City Council, however it is recommended for all attendees to wear face masks and socially distance. Family wishing to close the graves themselves are permitted, but please inform the funeral director looking after you prior to the funeral, should this be your request.
The full statement from Peterborough Crematorium can be found here: Please Click Here
The guidance from the government for funeral and commemorative events can be found here: Please Click Here
Smiths Funeral Directors:
As we continue to monitor the changes from government and evaluate the current climate both locally and nationally, we wish to reassure you and your family, that we have measures in place to ensure the safety of all those involved in the funeral, as well as maintaining the dignity of the occasion. With this in mind, the following measures are currently in place.
Visiting The Funeral Home
We have measures in place to keep your family and our staff as safe as possible during these challenging times. Hand sanitization is available in all areas of the funeral home, which we encourage all visitors to apply when entering and exiting the building. We do ask that unless you are exempt, please kindly wear a face mask when visiting the funeral home. If you have come into contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or suspect you have, please do not attend the funeral home. If you have any concerns about visiting the funeral home or if you require further information regarding safeguards in place, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Funeral Arrangements
Funeral arrangements can be made in the comforting surrounds of our funeral home or in the privacy of your own home. We have facilities available for funeral arrangements to be made remotely, if this is preferred. If you have any concerns about visiting the funeral home or if further information regarding safeguards in place, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Chapel Of Rest Visitation
Throughout the pandemic we have continued to give the same level of care for all loved ones entrusted to us, regardless of the nature/cause of their passing. We have also continued to keep our chapel of rest’s open throughout the pandemic, inviting you to spend time with your loved one, should that bring you some comfort.
Transportation
We continue to be able to offer our chauffeur driven limousines and executive vehicles. We do however respectfully ask, that unless exempt, face masks are worn whenever you are in the vehicle. Complementary bottles of water and tissues are available by request, but we kindly ask that these are taken with you as you exit the vehicles.
As ever, we are available 24 hours a day for our families and those requiring support. If you need to speak to us, need our assistance, or if you need to arrange a funeral, please call us on 01733 347474.
It is still a challenging time for everyone; we wish to thank all our families for their co-operation as we sensitively try to keep each other safe. Lets continue to do all we can to stop the spread of the virus.
