UP TO 30 family and friends can now attend funerals at Redditch Crematorium after national guidance was updated.
The latest arrangements are based on updated Public Health England guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic, industry standards, and the layout of the crematorium building.
Mike Birkinshaw, Redditch Borough Council’s Bereavement Services manager, said: “Based on the new national guidance and considering the space across our ceremonial area, lobby, and waiting room, with safety measures we can now accommodate a maximum of 30 people at funerals.”
Safety measures at the crematorium include one-way systems, distancing markers, and hand sanitiser stations. Face coverings remain strongly recommended as the crematorium is an enclosed indoor space.
A record of visits in the last 21 days is also being made for NHS Test and Trace purposes.
Councillor Brandon Clayton, whose portfolio covers Bereavement Services, added: “After some very difficult times where the restrictions have had to be severe, more people can now make their own choices again about whether to attend funerals in person.
“If you do then for your own safety and the safety of everyone else at the funeral with you, please wear a face mask or covering.
“The council also continues to pay the cost of privately live streaming services, so that families can always offer mourners the choice to attend remotely at this time.”
The arrangements at the crematorium remain subject to updates at short notice, as Government guidelines are subject to change.
