Published: 06/08/2020
GUESTS at Distington Hall Crematorium will be required to wear face coverings when they attend services from Monday, August 10, in line with new national guidelines.
The latest Government guidance strongly encourages people to wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces, and this extends to funeral services in crematoria. A number of exemptions apply and a full list can be found at the link below.
Guests should bring and wear their own face covering when they are attending a service.
The crematorium chapel is currently able to accommodate a maximum number of 30 attendees at any one time (including the funeral director and celebrant), however social distancing must be observed between attendees and family groupings which may limit the attendance capacity. Funeral directors are supporting families with guidance on this.
It is also advised only a modest number of family and friends of the deceased should travel to and attend the funeral service. An enhanced cleaning and hygiene regime remains in place at the crematorium.
James Hunter, Copeland Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Manager, said: “We fully appreciate how upsetting it will be for guests to wear masks while attending the service of a loved one.
“The safety of our guests and our staff are paramount, and we are grateful for the support of the community, clergy, celebrants and funeral directors for continuing to observe Government guidance and work with us during these extremely challenging times.”
The office at Distington Hall Crematorium is currently closed to visitors (apart from funeral directors) but the team can be contacted on 01946 830561 or distingtonhalladmin@copeland.gov.uk. The Chapel of Remembrance remains closed and an online version of the Book of Remembrance can be viewed at www.copeland.gov.uk.
