Coronavirus Kent: Six Covid-19 deaths in Bearsted, says Family Funeral Service
18:53, 06 April 2020
updated: 21:03, 06 April 2020
A funeral company says there have been at least six deaths related to coronavirus registered at its office in Bearsted.
Michael Lawrence, the Managing Director of The Family Funeral Service on Cavendish Way, said all were over 70.
He added: "We've had at least six in Bearsted, two at our office in Strood and one in Walderslade.
"We have been anticipating that something would happen soon and now we're starting to see the impact of the virus. The week before last there wasn't any hint of it, but it all changed last Monday."
Mr Lawrence said the company, which has six offices across Kent, has had to make changes to how it operates.
"Because of government advice, crematoria in Kent are currently only allowing 10 people into the services so we are working really hard to make sure people can still have the funerals they want for their loved ones.
"Our limousine service has been withdrawn because it makes it difficult to maintain personal space.
"It's a very sad situation but one thing that has helped is that now there is the option to live stream funerals so friends and family from across the world can still be a part of it."
