Mourning islanders advised not to embrace

Friday 20 March 2020

From scaling back funerals to advising against touching and embracing, a local funeral director has announced a series of measures so that those in mourning can do so more safely during the corona virus outbreak.

As part of those measures, Pitcher & Le Quesne has reminded people about not hugging or handshaking at services, in line with public health advice.

Pitcher & Le Quesne has announced that all funerals they organise will take place at the crematorium, or at the graveside, rather than in churches and those who have lost a loved one are advised that smaller ceremonies are safer. 

In order to follow the latest public health advice, the funeral directors have announced new measures when it comes to either planning or attending a funeral.

Since public gatherings have been called off, the same social distancing measures apply to funeral services. 

Managing Director of Pitcher & Le Quesne, Paul Battrick, said: “The arrival of the corona virus in Jersey has presented some challenges we have never seen before. I have never seen anything like this in my career as a funeral director. 

“The safety and wellbeing of staff and guests is essential and at the heart of our approach. All funerals will now take place at the crematorium or at the graveside and not in churches. As no public gathering can take place, smaller funerals is the safer option during these difficult and emotional times.” 

In addition, the naturally tactile response to those in mourning has also been deemed a health risk. 

Pictured: The bereaved have been advised against "touching and embracing" at funerals. 

Mr Battrick continued: “We are speaking with our clients about their options and the importance of social distancing and the need to avoid handshakes and hugging. Touching and embracing is the most natural thing to do but health precautions and safety is key and now we all must think about how we act.”

For those experiencing flu-like symptoms, the current advice is to stay at home for seven days or until the symptoms disappear. Pitcher & Le Quesne say that if this prevents anyone from attending a service, then they are offering different ways for islanders to send their condolences to family members of the deceased.

They are helping with sympathy messages via email, letters or cards and say that they will also send islanders a blank condolence care with a stamped, addressed envelope to return to them in lieu of attending the funeral.