COVID-19 has upended our lives in ways we could not have thought of, even when it comes to funerals and cremation services Westmont, PA. It has turned every aspect of our social lives upside down. This pandemic has presented an unprecedented challenge to the managers of the funeral industry as well as the mourners.
Keeping in view the regulations and guidelines of the CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we have answered some of the FAQs of people pertaining to arranging funerals.
Can I Arrange a Funeral in a Funeral Home?
Yes, you can hold a funeral procession in a funeral home. But you have to make sure to comply with the restrictions imposed by the federal government and your state. Most of the funeral arrangements including choosing a funeral director should be arranged via phone or other electronic sources.
Try to hire a funeral home with sufficient space with proper ventilation – even better if it can arrange a service in an open space.
How Many People Should I Invite?
There’s no specific guideline on how many guests a bereaved family should invite – but the number shouldn’t be more than half of the funeral home’s total capacity to avoid congestion. Fewer people will make it more convenient to maintain a 6-foot mandatory social distance.
Can I Invite Children and Elderly?
Though you should avoid inviting children and the elderly to a funeral gathering, legally you can. Especially if you ask them to follow the social distancing rules.
Bear in mind that they may be more vulnerable to severe symptoms of the virus and that can lead to life-threatening problems if they become sick. So, craft your guest list accordingly, and remember, special arrangements for the seating plan should be made for children and the elderly.
Can I Attend the Funeral if I’m Sick?
If anyone on the invite list is experiencing the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or worse, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, then they shouldn’t attend the services. You need to follow the self-quarantine guidelines of the government to protect your near and dear ones from contracting this deadly virus.
However, they can attend funeral services via online channels.
General Guideline for Individuals
Anyone visiting a funeral home should:
- Everyone should wear a face mask and keep a safe distance away from each other. Hugging the bereaved is indeed a longstanding tradition to offer condolences, but avoid contacting or hugging with the bereaved’s family members or other guests.
- Every guest should keep a mini sanitizer spray in their pocket or purse.
- Don’t touch the deceased’s body if COVID-19 is the major cause of death.
- Refrain from sharing commonly used objects in a funeral such as religious books, collection plates, programs, to help minimize the risk of spreading illness.
The pandemic may have changed cremation services Westmont, PA, forever.
