Funerals during coronavirus (COVID-19)
There are rules around funerals during coronavirus.
Number of people who can go to a funeral service
The number of people who can go depends on the protection level for that area.
Protection level 0
Up to 50 people.
Protection levels 1 to 4
Up to 20 people.
These numbers are for both outdoor and indoor funeral services. The numbers could be fewer in some places. For example, in small spaces where people cannot keep to the 2 metre physical distancing rule.
You do not need to keep to the physical distancing rule if you're from the same household or a carer and the person being cared for.
If you're unsure how many people can go you should check with the funeral director, crematorium, burial ground or place of worship.
Check protection level by local council.
Check protection level by postcode.
Face coverings
You must wear a face covering at indoor funeral services.
Who cannot go to a funeral
You should not go to a funeral if you:
- have coronavirus symptoms
- tested positive for coronavirus and need to stay home to self-isolate
You should seriously consider not going to a funeral if you're self-isolating because:
- someone in your household has coronavirus symptoms or has tested positive for coronavirus
- you've been contacted by the Test and Protect service
High risk groups
If you're in a high risk group, you can still go to a funeral. However, before going, you should consider the risk from coronavirus and its possible impact on your health.
If you do go to a funeral you should:
- keep to physical distancing rules
- follow the NHS Inform advice that applies to you
You can find out who is in a high risk group on NHS Inform.
Singing and chanting
You should not sing or chant during a funeral. We cannot be sure this would not create a risk of passing on coronavirus.
You can still play recorded music.
If you want a bagpiper you should check with the funeral director or the venue where the funeral is taking place. They'll confirm if you can have a bagpiper in the venue.
Funeral travel restrictions
Scotland
There are no restrictions on how far you can travel within Scotland to go to a funeral.
You can also travel from other parts of the UK to go to a funeral service in Scotland.
You do not need to self-isolate when you return. This is unless you or a member of your household start to show coronavirus symptoms.
If you're travelling from abroad to go a funeral in Scotland you must follow the rules on movement and self-isolation for travellers entering the UK.
Rest of UK
You can travel from Scotland to a funeral in other parts of the UK.
Each country may have different rules for funerals. You need to check the rules for the country you're travelling to.
You can find further funeral guidance from GOV.UK
Abroad
If you're travelling abroad for a funeral check the foreign travel advice by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
Gatherings after a funeral
There are different rules for gatherings after a funeral. The number of people who can go depends on the protection level for that area.
Protection level 0
Up to 50 people.
Protection levels 1 to 4
Up to 20 people.
These numbers are for a gathering after a funeral in a regulated venue. For example, a hotel, pub or restaurant.
There rules for wakes may be different from hospitality for:
- opening hours
- serving alcohol
You should check with the venue where the wake is taking place.
You must still follow the rules for hospitality. For example, physical distancing and using a face covering.
For gatherings outwith a regulated venue you must follow the rules for indoor and outdoor gatherings.
