Posts by tonkbro

Tonks Brothers Funeral Directors  Covid-19  Announcement

While funerals have been excluded from the ban on events taking place, announced on the evening of 23 March, it is absolutely vital that funeral services abide by the objectives set out in the Government’s guidance and do not create an unnecessary risk of transmitting COVID-19 between those in attendance.

Funerals should be arranged over the phone or via other electronic means, wherever possible

Our Funeral home in Abingdon and office in Kennington will remain open, but funerals should be arranged over the phone or via other electronic means, wherever possible. If a funeral must be arranged in person, please respect the social distancing guidance (please a maximum of 3 family members may visit to arrange a funeral) – keep two metres apart, wash hands frequently, and cough or sneeze into a tissue.

We would ask you to please not visit our funeral home in person

We would ask you to please not visit our funeral home in person if anyone involved has symptoms or should be self-isolating, in accordance with government advice. It is vital that we do all we can to reduce the spread of the virus and that funeral service employees (who are key workers) can remain healthy and able to continue supporting bereaved families.

If you wish to view your loved one in person by visiting the Chapel of Rest, please make an appointment for a specific time and please limit the number or people again to 3 at any one time – at-risk groups are strongly urged not to visit.

Smallest possible number of attendees

Our funeral services are being restricted to the smallest possible number of attendees – ideally only the very immediate family and at-risk groups are urged not to attend.

Unfortunately, our limousine and family car will not be available until further notice.

Webcasting/live streaming

Webcasting/live streaming of the funeral service (using professional or personal devices) may still be possible – thereby enabling other mourners to still participate without putting themselves and others at risk of harm.

Please don’t publicly advertise the funeral details to reduce the risk of other, well-meaning mourners arriving unexpectedly. They may be turned away at the door, which could be distressing. It will also place funeral key workers at unnecessary risk of harm.

During funeral services

During funeral services, all mourners should remain two metres apart from anyone not living in their household at all times – please refrain from making physical contact with anyone outside of your household.

If you are able, all charitable collections should be paid online via our website.

We understand this advice may be very difficult for you, and we will do everything we can to help you say good bye – and perhaps plan a celebration of the person’s life in the months to come – but it is vitally important we respect Government guidance for social distancing, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Ben Tonks

Funeral Director