Question reference: S6W-00607
- Asked by: Finlay Carson, MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 10 June 2021
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 21 June 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government when family members who are double-vaccinated against COVID-19 and wearing face coverings and outdoors will be able to take a burial cord at a funeral in a level 1 protection area.
Answer
The Scottish Government understands how difficult ongoing restrictions at funeral services are for those who are bereaved and wish to pay their final respects to a loved one.
We continue to review all of the funeral restrictions on a regular basis taking into account the stage of the pandemic, the public health risks and the impact on bereaved families.
Our funeral services guidance sets out that funeral directors can, on a case by case basis, undertake a risk assessment to assess whether the family can have a role in taking a cord at the graveside, given physical distancing requirements. The options should be discussed with the relatives beforehand and decisions should be made with compassion, as well as understanding of the risks.
The conclusion of the physical distancing review is expected shortly, which will consider the implications of 2 metre physical distancing at funeral services.
Not all vaccines prevent transmission and inoculation is not a guarantee against contracting COVID-19, nor is it guaranteed to prevent you from passing it on. However, we do know that the COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce both mortality and morbidity. Further research is being conducted on the effect of the vaccination programme on transmission overall in relation to current and new variants of concern. Until we know more, it is essential that everyone continues to follow public health guidance and the COVID-19 protection level rules which apply in their Local Authority area.