Moray funeral directors working to limit spread of coronavirus

FUNERAL directors in Moray have put in a series of new measures to limit the spread of coronavirus across communities.

Elgin funeral director WG Catto has temporarily restricted public access, with all funeral arrangements being handled remotely via video call or telephone. All funerals will also be reduced to private gatherings, with live video links or recordings provided as an alternative.

Tom Ross and Sons, in Forres, announced all of their funerals were going private at the start of the week.

WG Catto say social distancing will be in effect at all times, with home visits not on offer. To stop the spread of the virus, the use of company limousines is not provided, instead family have the option of the hearse going home and family following, or alternatively meeting the hearse at the crematorium or cemetery.

Embalming and viewings are still permitted with viewings taking place in-branch and adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Tim Purves, chairman of William Purves, who own WG Catto, said: "While we are having to change how we would normally support families throughout the loss of a loved one, we are nonetheless fully committed to providing a first-class service within the confines of current legislation.

“Our role is to ensure loved ones get the send-off they deserve and their families get to share in a celebration of their life. It may not be what we envisaged a month ago or even last week, but it is the new reality and we are ensuring we carry our families’ wishes respectfully in line with government guidelines.

“We know saying goodbye to a loved one is hard at the best of times and we fully realise the impact these restrictions will have on families. Crucially, we are here 24/7 for anyone who needs us, and our staff are working round the clock so that we can continue to carry out our services safely.”

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