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Guidelines for Funerals During the Pandemic

Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. • Dec 07, 2020

Hosting a funeral during the pandemic is possible, but it may require some creativity on your part. Safety concerns need to balanced with your natural need to grieve. Here is our advice.

COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges to mankind and every aspect of our lives has been affected severely – and funeral homes Bethlehem, PA, are no exception. The reverberations of the corona pandemic have forced the mourners and the managers of the industry to adapt to the new reality of social distancing.

Many people are unaware of the possible guidelines of the government pertaining to funerals during an ongoing pandemic. That’s why we have answered some FAQs that will help remove your queries and misunderstandings.

Can You Arrange A Funeral at All?

Yes, the CDC allows you to arrange funerals as long as you follow the local or federal governments' social distancing guidelines. We know how much funerals mean for the bereaved and how they play a critical role in expediting the healing process. The CDC has confirmed that there is no direct threat associated with being in the same room as the deceased’s body.

However, one has to ensure:

A limited number of guests are invited
Shouldn’t invite the children and the elderly
Enforce six feet mandatory social distancing
Arrange the services in an open space
Wear masks
Avoid shaking hands or hugs
Keep a mini disinfectant spray for everyone
Avoid touching the deceased’s body

However, the trend of virtual or online funerals is on the rise in the US and elsewhere.

How Many People Should I Invite?

It depends on the size of the hall or the ground where you’re arranging the services. As long as the guests maintain a 6-foot mandatory distance, you’re allowed to invite as many guests as you need in some places. But it is preferred not to invite more than 20-30 guests.

Can People Having Covid-19 Symptoms Can Attend?

No, anyone experiencing corona symptoms shouldn’t attend a funeral given the highly contagious nature of coronavirus. Such people should follow the self-isolation guidelines of the government and can participate online if arrangements are made.

Also, special arrangements should be made for people highly vulnerable to contracting coronavirus. First, they should be advised against participating, should they resist, ask them to avoid physical contact with anyone outside the immediate family.

Instructions on Transporting the Body

Funeral service workers will carefully shift the body from the place of death to the funeral home for final services. They have to ensure proper infection control measures, including protective gearing.

Once transported, the surfaces should be cleaned with bleach and disinfectant.

Casketing and Viewing the Body

You can view the body of the deceased from a distance. There’s no proof of transmission of Covid-19 from a surface. Still, it’s highly recommended to avoid unnecessary manipulation with the body to eliminate the risks of opening incision sites. You can have an open casket but if the deceased has undergone an autopsy, then avoid superficial contact like touching, hugging, or kissing.

Final Thoughts

COVID-19 has made it even more difficult for the mourners to pay final tribute to the deceased, especially if someone dies of coronavirus. However, if you attend a funeral, keep wearing PPE and strictly follow the local or federal social distancing guidelines to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. Funeral homes Bethlehem, PA, are there when you need them.

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