Can I go to this funeral?

[NaToth]

The funeral is in mid December, it's a 230 mile round trip, we will be in Tier 3, the funeral will take place in a Tier 2 area.

I want to go and in normal times I would not hesitate, but I think it will be against the law. As I read it, all but essential travel is not permitted.

DH says we should just go.

Which of us is right?

Funerals are essential travel.

You have to be invited, though - have you been?

Check that there’s not already too many going. The max was 15 at one stage but I think it may be 30 now. But much less at a graveside I think if being buried. Some families are filming the service and broadcasting online. Not the same but a way of you virtually attending maybe?

You can’t just go if you haven’t been specifically invited.

I think the OP has probably been invited, most people don’t just turn up at a funeral! You can travel for funerals, but you need to weigh up the risk and how you will reduce the risk to others given that you are in tier 3 area travelling to a tier 2 x

For clarity, yes, I have been invited.

You’re fine to go, then. If you’ve been invited, you can travel from any tier into any tier for a funeral.

There will probably be no hospitality afterwards, and if you’re being responsible I guess it would be fair to offer not to come to that anyway.

Masks on in church or crematorium during the ceremony.

It’s a long trip for a short time and (hopefully) no one would judge you if you didn’t attend. But say as soon as possible so they can offer your places to someone else.

We had a family funeral a month ago. Deciding on attendees was stressful, but we appreciated everyone who came and understood if someone could not.

I’m sorry for your loss. You are definitely allowed to go. I’ve been to my mum’s already this year. 😢

Why would OP be considering going all that way to a funeral if she hadn't been invited? Sorry for your lost OP, of course you can go

As I read it, all but essential travel is not permitted. It's a should, not a must, ie not law. But I think a funeral would be regarded as essential.

You have to be invited, though Not for funerals in normal times, it's usual to issue a funeral notice not a funeral invitation (although you can limit to close family only). But with the limit of 30 anyone wanting to attend would to contact family and see if there was room for you.

Thanks. I replied and said wouldn't go, but am told that funeral directors can issue some kind of safe conduct letter for people travelling from a distance.

Has anyone else heard that?

Thanks

People picking up on the “you have to be invited” my point was that at the moment, with the restrictions, it is not like usual times when a funeral is open to all. In order to meet the strict limits, it is best to assume you cannot go unless specifically invited. I posted that because in normal times you might travel a long way to a funeral having been told the time and date and that would be quite normal as funerals (like weddings) are open to all. But it’s different at the moment and that makes it more stressful for the bereaved family.

Anyway, OP, you don’t need a permit to travel.

@NaToth

I've been to two funerals alas recently and you don't need a letter, I've travelled on the motorways (for essential reasons) many time even in March /April and nobody has ever asked where I was going, I think the black clothing and the address of the crem/church is enough if anyone asked anyway. Just be aware you cannot stop anywhere other than motorway circumstances to eat in if you are tier 3 (they are open and it's fine to take a break there) I took a flask and sandwiches this month just in case but found a McDonald's who were doing takeaway and didn't mind me using the toilet (the smart black clothes definitely helped there!). It's very unfortunate but alas many of us have had to attend funerals, don't worry about the journey aspect, the police aren't interested it's legal to travel