Many businesses have stayed open throughout the coronavirus crisis, but few have had to adapt quite as dramatically as funeral directors.

In these times of unprecedented amounts of daily deaths, the industry has had to act fast to meet government guidelines and provide people with a safe way to mourn.

Dalston-based independent funeral director Jill Glencross said that while changes have been wide-ranging, families have been very understanding and respectful of the new rules.

She said: “We have adhered to all the restrictions that have been put in place which has meant we have had to inform our families of the amount of people who can attend a funeral whether it be a burial or a cremation.

The Westmorland Gazette: Funeral director Jill Glencross: “Every single family has been truly amazing and accepted the restrictions.”Funeral director Jill Glencross: “Every single family has been truly amazing and accepted the restrictions.”

“We have probably cared for 10 to 15 families who have lost their loved ones due to Covid-19 over this period, and every single family we have cared for has been truly amazing and accepted the restrictions.  I am immensely proud of the way the families in our care have respected the rules in what is such a very difficult time for them.

“Obviously, a lot has changed for us and the families we are caring for and we are just trying to do as much as possible to make a heartbreaking time a little bit easier.”

In adhering to coronavirus guidelines, Jill and her staff have had to wear masks, gloves, aprons, sleeves, shoe covers, goggles, visors and even full white PPE suits.

During services at the crematorium coffins have been taken into the ceremony on wheels rather than being carried by bearers.

All churches were closed with services taking place by the graveside, with only small numbers of family members allowed. Now some churches are open for funerals at the discretion of the ministers, but with very strict restrictions in place. 

When bringing loved ones into Jill’s care, coffins have been taken directly to hospitals and closed there to avoid spread of infection.

“This obviously stops the spread of Covid-19 and the risk to other people but having to tell a family that they cannot see their loved one again is soul destroying,” Jill added.

Jill, who is a business customer with the Cumberland Building Society, has been live streaming services using a professional company with a secure link so only family and friends can watch live. Every part is filmed, from the hearse arriving to the flowers outside afterwards. This is also recorded, then edited and given to the family onto a memory stick for the future. 

The Westmorland Gazette:

It is not just the funeral directors who have had to adapt to the new ways, and Jill pointed out that there are many more ‘behind the scenes’ that deserve credit for their work during these tough times, such as the celebrants and ministers, crematorium staff, groundsmen, florists, printers, coffin manufacturers and hearse drivers.

Eventually funerals will return to how they have been carried out for centuries, although there has been no advice and indication when this might be. Live-streaming isn’t likely here to stay, however, Jill said: “We will always offer this, and it will be available should anyone want it. I think people who are able to would rather attend a funeral in person.

"My heart goes out to anyone who has lost someone during this time.”

Phil Ward, of The Cumberland, said: “During our series on the New Normal we have looked at a range of businesses who have had to adapt rapidly to the Covid-19 crisis and the lockdown.

“Jill Glencross and her team have really been on the frontline in dealing with impact of this virus. They have shown great resilience to provide a caring funeral service in such extreme circumstances. We are proud to have her as a Cumberland customer and support all the businesses in Cumbria who have risen to the challenge of coronavirus.”