Why funeral directors are asking people to stop and bow their heads when they see a hearse in Milton Keynes

The number of mourners is limited to 10 during the coronavirus crisis, but some funerals are having to take place unattended due to lockdown rules.

Several funeral directors are now asking members of the public to stop what they are doing and bow their heads in a gesture of support for the family if they see a hearse passing while they are out having their daily exercise,

Zaheer Iqbal, Funeral Director at Central England Co-op Funeralcare, said: “We are working 24 hours a day to support families at their time of need, but changes have had to be put in place following advice and guidance from the Government to protect everyone."

He added: "These are circumstances that none of us could have imagined, but it continues to be our privilege to support families at this most difficult time.

“This is why we are asking people wherever they are to bow their head in a show of respect for funerals passing by and in support of families.”

Co-op Funeralcare, like all funeral directors, has had to close its funeral homes to the public during the coronavirus crisis. All arrangements must now be made over the telephone and by email.

The Church of England has banned church funeral services, saying immediate family only may attend at gravesides, and that burials can be live streamed to other relatives and friends.

A number of local authorities have banned funeral ceremonies in crematoria and cemeteries. Instead they are offering “direct cremations” with no ceremony and no mourners.

Milton Keynes Council is still allowing attended ceremonies at Crownhill Crematorium, though a maximum of 10 mourners is permitted.