Covid-19

During this very challenging time, we at Wells Funeral Services are continuing to strive to take the greatest care of you and your families and arranging funerals as we always do. We have implemented significant contingency plans to ensure we are able to sustain caring for families and the deceased in the coming months.

We are working hard to ensure that we deliver the services that are needed, whilst providing the necessary protection for both you, ourselves and our colleagues. As the situation continues to change on an almost daily basis and we will adapt accordingly, but right now these are the measures that we have put in place to ensure the wellbeing of everyone.

Safety and Hygiene

We already operate with the highest levels of safety and hygiene. However, we have implemented additional cleaning routines and procedures in line with guidance from Public Health England to ensure the safety of our staff and all visitors.

We’re able to work remotely which means that no face-to contact is needed. As the Government has asked us all to self-isolate, meeting with a funeral director is not advised. We are confident that we can arrange funeral services remotely via telephone, email and, if you prefer to talk to our Funeral Director facet-to-face, we can use video messaging services like FaceTime, WhatsApp or video conferencing apps such as Zoom if you’d like to discuss your requirements as a group.

Please rest assured you will receive the same high level of service and care for which we are renowned. As always, we are be available 24 hours, 7 days a week, to answer your questions and guide you through every step.

Arranging a Funeral

• We have procedures in place that will ensure we can still arrange a funeral with you, even If you are affected by COVID-19 or you are self-isolating. Please call us to discuss your requirements. We are available 24 hours a day. Our contact details can be found here.

• If you have a funeral plan - nothing changes with how it is used or what it covers. There may be some limitations imposed in some areas of the service due to us adhering to the latest government guidelines. Please call the number provided with your funeral plan documents and you will be given the appropriate guidance for you. 

• We will do our utmost to provide you with the funeral service that you want. However, there will be some areas where restrictions based upon government guidelines may be in place. For example, services should be limited to immediate family, and in some service locations, a maximum of 10 mourners can attend. We will provide you with clear guidance on what is possible during any arrangements.

Caring for someone who has died with COVID-19

We are experienced and prepared to take care of people who have died under all circumstances, including with COVID-19. At all times we will look after your loved one in a caring and dignified manner.

Please read our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I able to arrange a funeral at this time?
We’re able to arrange funerals for you, providing our usual high standards of care and service for you and your loved ones.

We are trying to provide as many of our services as possible but of course we must follow the restrictions in place to meet the government's social distancing guidelines. For example, a maximum of 30 mourners may currently attend a service.

If you need to arrange a funeral then please contact us and we will provide you with the most up to date guidance. We’re here to help. 

Am I able to arrange a funeral without face-to-face contact?
We’re able to work remotely which means that no face-to contact is needed. As the Government has asked us all to self-isolate, meeting with a funeral director is not advised. We are confident that we can arrange funeral services remotely via telephone, email and, if you prefer to talk to our Funeral Director facet-to-face, we can use video messaging services like FaceTime, WhatsApp or video conferencing apps such as Zoom if you’d like to discuss your requirements as a group. Most arrangements can be made remotely in this way and we can email or post key documents and forms.

I’d rather discuss the funeral arrangements face-to-face. Is this possible?
We are still able to offer face-to-face appointments. We can accommodate a maximum of two people at such meetings and we will have to ensure that social distancing guidelines are enforced. Obviously, to ensure the safety of everyone, we will only offer telephone appointments to anyone who is self-isolating or has symptoms of Coronavirus.

Are funerals being delayed?
Funerals are currently being arranged as usual and we aren’t experiencing any unusually long delays. The situation may change thought and there may be some impact on timings depending on your location and desired venue. 

Please contact us if you need to arrange a funeral and we will be able to give you the most up to date guidance.

Can I delay my loved one’s funeral?
Delays and flexibility on timings are possible but limited, and we will do everything we can to find a date that suits you. However, you need to be aware that delaying may mean that, rather than there being fewer restrictions in place, more restrictions may be announced in the future based on the Government guidance at that time.

How many people can attend the funeral?
In order to adhere to government guidelines on social distancing, a maximum of 30 mourners are allowed to attend a funeral service at most crematoriums and cemeteries throughout the UK. We will be able to provide you with the most up to date guidance on your preferred venue during any arrangements.

Attendees should be limited to the immediate family who are not in any of the high-risk categories and are not self-isolating. The immediate family being:

- Spouse / Partner
- Parents / Carers
- Brothers / Sisters
- Children (and partners)

These are guidelines not rules. If there are few or no family but there are close friends then it would be acceptable for them to attend instead. Or grandchildren may be appropriate in some circumstances. Please act responsibly for everyone when determining who attends - and in all cases, it is recommended that there are no more than 10 individuals.

We are however able to provide a video stream of the funeral and have already done so successfully. This allows those who are unable to attend to feel part of the ceremony.

Are burials currently permitted or is cremation the only option?
Currently we can arrange both burials and cremations. The situation is however changing regularly. This may mean in the coming weeks there may be limitations to the services we can offer and arrangements already underway may have to change. We will follow government guidance as it is updated. 

Can we still visit the deceased in the Chapel of Rest?
This is still possible, but there are several changes and restrictions in place. We are doing all we can to support our clients and families with these services and it is always best to ask us what is available to you at the time.

Unfortunately, if your loved one's death was related to Coronavirus, we are unable to allow you to visit the Chapel of Rest in order to prevent further spread of infection.

Can we still have a Church Service as part of the funeral?
Church Funerals are currently permitted with a maximum of 30 attendees. As an alternative, what we can do is help you arrange the funeral now and an appropriate Church Memorial or Thanksgiving service at later date once restrictions are lifted.

Do I need to attend the Registration Office in person to register the death?
You will still need to register the death of your loved one within five days from the date of death in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and eight days in Scotland. You can find contact details for your local register office here on the Government website in England and Wales, the Directory of Registrars in Scotland or the General Register Office for Northern Ireland. 

In light of current restrictions, your register office will arrange for the Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (MCCD) to be sent to you without you needing to attend their premises in person. The process may vary depending on where you live, but the register office will guide you through what you need to do. 

This paperwork will need to be shared with your Funeral Director as part of the arrangement process. They will guide you through when and how you need to share it with them.

What if a crematorium has to close?
If your chosen crematorium is forced to close we will work with you to find an alternative that is local and suitable for your requirements.

Will the return of ashes be delayed?
Currently we continue to manage the return of ashes as normal. This may be either us returning them to you or arranging for you to collect from the crematorium. If collecting from the crematorium, this may be arranged to a suitable date after mobility restrictions are lifted across the UK. If we are delivering the ashes to you, our staff will practise social distancing when the delivery takes place.

Can I still purchase a Funeral Plan?
Yes, you can still purchase a Funeral Plan. You can find out about the services we offer here.

Will having Coronavirus affect my Funeral Plan?
No, having Coronavirus does not affect your funeral plan, and does not stop you taking out a new Funeral Plan.

Have Funeral Plans increased in price due to Coronavirus?
No - all prices remain as normal.

If you have any further questions, then please don’t hesitate to contact us.