Fife could move to closed funerals to stop gatherings at crematorium

Funerals in Fife are restricted to just six family members during the coronavirus crisis.

But reports of people gathering in large numbers at the crematorium in Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline have prompted a warning from Fife Council.

It said it will move to closed funerals unless people start adhering to the regulations.

It said it understood why people were gathering to pay their last respects, but this could no continue as restrictions were in place to halt the spread of the virus.

One solution may be to stream funeral proceedings online so families, friends and neighbours could watch them.

A spokesman said: ““We appreciate that bereavement is a very difficult time for families and friends but we must do everything we can to minimise the spread of covid-19 and keep people safe,” said a spokesperson.

“Recently, large numbers of mourners have been gathering in the crematorium grounds. Although this is understandable, we need to remind everyone that the crematorium is open to the immediate family attending the service only.

“Unfortunately, if these rules are not followed, we’ll move to closed services.”

The guidelines define immediate family as the partner or spouse of the deceased, children and their partners, parents or carers, and brothers and sisters.

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https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/health/coronavirus/watch-kirkcaldy-coronavirus-survivor-linda-returns-home-2547988

The move to streaming services online is seen as one possible solution – and the council is currently working ion installing the systems necessary to make it happen.

“This is a temporary system to meet the needs of the current situation and will be available shortly, with a permanent solution fully installed later.” added the spokesman. “The message is protection of yourself, your loved ones, your community and our national health service.

“We also ask that you help protect our staff, funeral directors, officiants and organists.

“The critical thing we must do is top the disease spreading between households – we should not be meeting family members who do not live with us.”

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