New measures mean Central England Co-op Funeralcare can now offer limousines to families

Posted by rob smyth | Published: 03/08/2020

Central England Co-op Funeralcare has put in place new safety measures to allow families to travel to services in limousines.

Previously, restrictions meant that families had to travel to and from services using their own vehicles to keep them and funeralcare colleagues safe during these uncertain times.

However, plastic screens have now been installed and a variety other measures put in place to allow families the option once again.

Hazel Moss, Head of Funeral, said: “As a Society, we continue to work with the guidelines issued and operate to a COVID-19 secure environment.

“In line with government advice we will be monitoring the position as the relaxation of controls takes place and we will take a pragmatic view of when and how to re-open our homes to the general public.

“We have fitted plastic screens and put in place enhanced safety measures in our limousines so we can offer this service to our families once again.

“We are doing this in the interests of keeping everyone safe and well, both for our colleagues and the communities in which we work.”

 The following measures are now in place:

• Passengers should be from the same household only and there is a maximum of six people
• Colleagues are following social distancing guidelines and therefore cannot assist people getting in and out of the vehicle
• All people will be asked to use hand sanitiser prior to getting into the limousine
• The driver must wear PPE (gloves, mask) whilst driving.
• The front windows will be open partially to ensure fresh air flow into the vehicle
• People travelling can wear their own PPE if they want to but this is not a requirement  
• Between each use, the limousine will be cleaned and sanitised.

Central England Co-op Funeralcare continues to work around the clock ahead of any potential further alterations to the way funerals are planned and services are held in the coming weeks.

This includes ensuring extra social distancing measures are being put in place at funeral homes to keep colleagues and clients safe such as hand sanitising stations and continued innovation with the use of phone and email to help families plan the funeral of a loved one while also still being able to see people in person via an appointment.

The Funeralcare provider will also be keeping a close eye on guidance related to the number of mourners able to attend funerals and will advise families accordingly based on the local rules and regulations.

People can keep up to date with the latest guidance by visiting a dedicated online hub at www.centralengland.coop/updates

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About Central England Co-operative

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK with interests in food, funeral, floral, travel and property investment.

Co-operatives have always been there for their communities; they were formed to protect them and help them flourish. 

Our 7,900 colleagues who serve Members and customers work hard to ensure that co-operative values, principles and spirit flow through everything we do to help support and improve our local communities.

Owned by hundreds of thousands of Members, we have over 430 trading outlets across 16 counties including West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. 

We are proud of our reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.

We invest a percentage of our trading profit into local communities through our Community Dividend Fund scheme, have donated over £1.3 million to our corporate charity partner Dementia UK and also operate a pioneering food redistribution partnership with FareShare Midlands so unsold food goes to those in need.

Visit www.centralengland.coop for more information or follow us on Facebook or Twitter using @mycoopfood

Press office contacts: Rob Smyth and James Brindle

Phone - 01543 421390

Email - publicrelations@centralengland.coop