Covid 19 policy

Last updated January 2021.

If someone has died

Are there any restrictions on the type of funeral for someone who’s died from coronavirus?

We’re well prepared to take care of people who have died with coronavirus in line with the official guidance. We have the necessary equipment, systems, processes and trained personnel to do this. We have specific ways of working prepared for anyone who dies in either an NHS facility or within the community.

There are no restrictions that prevent someone who has died from coronavirus having a funeral, whether that is a cremation or a burial. We’re following government guidelines closely and should the advice change we’ll provide updates.

Arranging a funeral

All funeral arrangements can be made over the phone, and we can send any forms or documents needed for the funeral in the post or by email.

If you’d prefer to visit one of our funeral homes you must have a pre-arranged appointment, as we can only allow two clients in the funeral home at any one time. This applies to funeral arrangements and visits to the chapel of rest. All clients visiting a funeral home together must be from the same household or support bubble.

To comply with latest government advice, we also ask that face coverings are worn when entering a funeral home, unless there’s a valid reason for not wearing one. More details about face coverings and exemptions can be found on the government website.

Before you visit a funeral home, we’ll ask you if:

you’ve returned from any foreign country in the past 14 days,
you’ve been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected coronavirus,
you’ve been showing the following symptoms: a new, continuous cough, high temperature, or a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste.

How we’re keeping you safe:

We’ve put safety measures in place in our funeral homes to keep you and our colleagues safe. We’ll make sure that:

there’s a maximum of 2 clients visiting at any one time to allow for social distancing,
face coverings are worn by everyone (unless exempt),
hand sanitiser is available,
surfaces/touch points are cleaned thoroughly between appointments.

Do you have facilities for live streaming of funerals?

The local crematoria do have facilities to live stream or recording facilities which are available for you to then share with wider family and friends (via a private web link) who are unable to attend in person.

Who can go to a funeral?

As long as the number of people attending doesn’t exceed the number outlined by the government, it is up to you who goes to the funeral. Your funeral director will be let you know how many people can attend the venue you have chosen.

Advice is still that anyone from the higher risk groups, for example over 70s, pregnant, or immune-compromised, should not attend.

Unless you live in the same household or are in a support bubble, we’re asking mourners to make sure they are always 2 metres apart from each other.

Use of limousines

We have measures in place to meet social distancing rules whilst using our vehicles. This is to protect you, your family and our colleagues as much as possible. Our cars are fitted with screens separating the driver and passenger areas.

We advise that passengers do not travel if:

they or someone they live with have experienced coronavirus symptoms within the last 10 days (including a high temperature, new and continuous cough or loss or change to sense of smell or taste)
they or someone they live with have recently tested positive for coronavirus
they or someone they live with are awaiting test results
they’ve been asked to self-isolate for any other reason (e.g. traced as being in close contact with someone who’s been diagnosed with the virus)

Our colleagues will be maintaining social distancing with passengers.

The number of passengers allowed to travel in a limousine is limited to a maximum of 4 if they’re from the same household (including support bubbles).

Passengers from different households will not be able to share a limousine, unless they are in a support bubble.

All passengers must wear a face covering, which fully covers the nose and mouth, when travelling in the vehicle. Passengers must provide their own face covering.

What our
customers say...

Richard and his team are consummate professionals who supported us at the most challenging of times.

Gary G.

After losing our mum very unexpectedly, we walked into your office like 3 scared little children, not knowing what to do or what to say. It felt like you and your team wrapped your arms around us while helping us through the most traumatic time. Your guidance through the whole process was done with such kindness, care and consideration, we are, and will forever be truly grateful.

Linda

Richard and his team were respectful, considerate and calm. I always felt Richard was there to quietly and efficiently help me through the arrangements for my dad's funeral.

Crispin

Richard was recommended by a friend. I immediately felt comfortable and relaxed. He was a good listener, easy to talk to and his manner was reassuring and helpful. I can't thank him enough for seeing us smoothly through this traumatic time.

Anne P.

I lost my husband in his early 50's and Richard took over with great empathy, kindness and discretion. The professionalism of both him and his team was exemplary, even down to organising the traffic so that my husband's biker friends could follow us to the funeral. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

S. Boorer

Nothing was too much trouble. Everything from start to finish was absolutely perfect, the attention to details also superb including the timing of the drivers closing on both car doors, in my eyes, with that attention to detail I knew my Dad was in safe hands

Lee A.

I cannot recommend Richard enough for his compassion, professionalism and kind and thoughtful approach when dealing with myself and my family at such a difficult time. Nothing was too much bother for Richard.

J Kelly

We can't rate Westcountry Funeral Service high enough for their level of compassion .... nothing was ever too much trouble. Excellent communication throughout the whole process and everything was done to a high professional standard. I would highly recommend Westcountry Funeral Service.

Tristan S.

From start to finish the professional service that we received was excellent. We would recommend this company to anyone who sadly is in need of this service.

Peter C.

Throughout the undertakers were superb, calm, stewarding agents of remarkable humanity... It was an incredible experience - a good disturbance of the heart.

Paul C

Richard took over and gave our father's funeral dignity. An excellent all round service that I have no hesitation in recommending.

David H.

Leah talked me through all the options and procedures, including giving an itemized quote, whereas other funeral directors just gave me a total cost.

Justin

...unbelievable from start to finish. It is rare to find such a truly personal service

Ben S.

From the moment we contacted Richard we knew our loved one, and the family, were in the safest hands. Outstanding care, service and value for money

Chris D.

We chose Westcountry Funerals at Elburton based on a feeling. We viewed the online photos of the beautiful Old Smithy building, and knew that our loved one would have approved of such an historical place :) We were absolutely right to go with our instinct, as we then met, and were dealt with, by the wonderful funeral director, Leah

Sarah

Leah, Richard and the team really did my grandfather proud, so nice to see a walker in front of the car on the approach to his house and when leaving, I would highly recommend the team for the traditional and professional service.

Mike O