INPORTANT FUNERAL RESTRICTIONS IN THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
The coronavirus pandemic has greatly affected how we interact with other people. While we can meet under strict health guidelines, mass gatherings are still prohibited. Like many kinds of mass gatherings, funerals are not exempt.
In this pandemic, funeral parlours must take measures dependent on the venue’s size. If it’s considerably small, the number of guests allowed inside will be reflect that. For bigger venues, they may allow more people to enter as long as health guidelines are observed. The numbers of mourners allowed to attend are set by the venue be that either the crematorium or church.
Since gatherings are inevitable in the context of funerals, funeral homes must inform the mourners about the strict guidelines during funeral arrangements. What exactly are these funeral restrictions? Read on to learn more.
What’s Affected?
One of the most significant effects COVID-19 has had is that fewer people are allowed to attend. Any person between the ages of 18–60 is considered fine to attend if they wear a mask and observe the protocols. Minors and senior citizens have a bigger risk of getting ill from the virus and are advised to take extra precautions.
Another thing that is affecting funeral arrangements are the protocols during chapel visits. Only a limited number of people are able to view the deceased at one time. However, funeral homes recently worked around this by operating a booking system to allow for numbers to be managed, and areas to be sanitized. Some families have used video conferencing and streaming too. If there is an active internet connection attendees can video call the family and friends at home who are unable to attend.
Can You Still go to a Funeral?
You must observe strict social distancing measures enforced by the authority in charge of the service venue, this could be a local crematorium or church. However, there are also personal steps you could take when you’re in the venue, such as:
- Arrange your visit in advance by notifying your contacts, be it the funeral home manager or someone you know who’s related to the deceased.
- Go the extra mile when practising social distancing. If you notice someone going your way, try to get out of the way. If it can’t be helped and you have nowhere else to go, turn your face away from the other person.
- Clean your hands with alcohol or sanitiser. If there’s a bathroom in the venue, there’s a chance that it has a sink and soap, which you can use.
- Wear your mask. You’re putting yourself and others at a higher risk if you don’t mask up during your funeral visit.
Going to a Funeral
The best way to go to a funeral is to go by private vehicle. The funeral director can provide limousines or saloon cars if the family require them. If it can’t be helped, public transportation can be taken as long as you practice the health protocols when you arrive at the venue.
Other Measures to Take
Other measures you can take include:
- Waiting outside until you’re called and allowed to go into the venue.
- Not shaking hands with anyone, even other relatives. This is important because some people might come from far-flung places.
- Allowing the funeral home staff to open and close the doors in order to control the number of people entering the venue.
- Sanitising your hands as you enter the chapel.
- Bring any used tissues with you as you leave.
- Whilst now not compulsory, wearing a face mask during the service is advised.
Conclusion
Being able to come to a funeral is fine. If you can’t come, that’s fine too. You can do things to make it feel like you’re at the funeral in spirit. You could say a prayer or even simply light a candle as a tribute to the deceased. An order of service may be emailed or posted in advance of the day. The funeral celebrant or minister will try to involve those at home too. This could be by simply asking you to stand at appropriate times during the funeral service. What is important is the safety of yourself and those around you.
It’s important to give your loved ones a proper send-off before they are buried, especially during difficult times. If you’re looking for a family funeral home, Holmes Funerals can help. We also offer cremation services. Contact us today to learn more.