[custom_adv] When a loved one dies, it’s natural to want to honor that person’s life with a gathering of friends and family. A funeral or memorial tribute provides family members and friends an environment to offer comfort, support to one another and share their thoughts and feelings about the life of the deceased. [custom_adv] Therefore, learning that you’re unable to have the type of gathering you would like to have because of the COVID-19 pandemic can be disappointing and even devastating news. [custom_adv] The importance of having a funeral to honor the deceased and giving loved ones an opportunity to celebrate that life and begin to grieve is unquestioned. Your funeral director is committed to providing you with the opportunity to say goodbye to your loved one and give other family members and friends the opportunity to do the same - even during these challenging times. [custom_adv] The unprecedented novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, however, requires funeral professionals to balance their long-held values with the need to: flatten the curve of the pandemic; protect the health of attendees, funeral home staff and clergy/celebrant; and reduce the potential for community spread and mass-fatalities. [custom_adv] As many communities in the United States begin to reopen, the number of attendees allowed at large gatherings—including visitations and funerals— varies greatly from place to place. Regardless of whether that number of attendees is 10, 50 or more, however, the need to practice proper social distancing is critical for protecting the health of attendees, funeral home staff and the clergy/celebrants. [custom_adv] Medium-sized in-person gatherings that are adapted to allow individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and with attendees coming from outside the local area. [custom_adv] Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area. While there are a variety methods for achieving proper social distancing, they are meant to supplement—not replace—any state or local safety laws, rules and regulations with which gatherings must comply. [custom_adv] When a loved one dies, it’s natural to want to honor that person’s life with a gathering of friends and family. A funeral or memorial tribute provides family members and friends an environment to offer comfort, support to one another and share their thoughts and feelings about the life of the deceased.
