COVID-19: What about Funerals?
Navigating Funerals During Health Concerns: COVID-19 and Flu Season Safety
By now, we are all familiar with COVID-19 and the respiratory illnesses that circulate in our communities each year. Whether it is the coronavirus or the seasonal flu, these illnesses can cause severe complications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as seniors and those with compromised immune systems. Health and safety measures remain a top priority for families in Richmond Hill, Stouffville, Thornhill, Scarborough, Aurora, and Toronto.
Current health guidelines emphasize that those who are feeling sick should self-isolate, while the rest of the population should practice good hygiene and social awareness. This brings us to our business—funerals. We know that funeral services often involve large crowds and close contact, which requires careful planning to ensure everyone's safety.
Health and safety come first. COVID-19 has affected how we operate, just as it has impacted every business in our community.
Should I Have or Attend a Funeral if I Am Sick?
Anyone who is ill, exhibiting symptoms, or has recently travelled to high-risk areas should listen to health officials and self-isolate. This means staying home and seeking medical help if necessary. For the healthy population, avoiding overcrowding and maintaining personal space is still recommended during peak flu or virus seasons.
Funerals tend to do the opposite of that. Many people are in close proximity, and naturally, people want to hug or shake hands to offer comfort. For many of you in the Greater Toronto Area, this may lead to the difficult decision to not attend a funeral or to adjust how you host one.
What to Do If You Can’t Attend a Funeral
If you are self-isolating or practicing social distancing and still want to support your loved ones in Markham or Scarborough, there are meaningful ways to share your condolences:
- Send a sympathy card or flowers: A tangible gesture goes a long way.
- Phone or Video Call: Call them before or after the service to provide comfort.
- Charitable Donations: Make a donation to their organization of choice in their memory.
Most people will understand that public health is important, and they will not blame you for staying home to protect the community.
What to Do If a Loved One Dies During a Health Crisis
Funeral directors and staff at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home are always working, as life and death continue regardless of external circumstances. If you are planning a service in Aurora or Stouffville, you still have choices.
Do you have to cancel altogether? No.
Cremated remains can be kept safe and stored until you are comfortable hosting a larger gathering. Families can also elect to go forward with burials with a small group of close relatives and hold a larger memorial service later.
Livestreaming Services
Many families are now choosing to live-stream funerals. This solution allows friends and family in Toronto
and beyond to mourn and grieve in real-time without needing to gather physically if they are unwell.
Safety Measures at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home
Chapel Ridge Funeral Home and Cremation Centre has always adhered to strict sanitation standards and personal hygiene. We increase our diligence whenever health risks are high. We encourage those coming in for meetings or services from Thornhill and surrounding areas to:
- Wash hands regularly or use provided sanitizer.
- Cough or sneeze into an elbow or a tissue (and throw that tissue away immediately).
- Refrain from physical contact like hugs and hand-holding if you are feeling unwell.
While refraining from physical comfort is incredibly difficult during a time of loss, we must all understand that keeping our vulnerable loved ones safe is the ultimate act of care.
Get Your Facts from Reliable Sources
Here are some resources to help you get correct information regarding public health in our area:
- City of Markham Health Updates
- York Region Public Health
- Province of Ontario Guidelines
- Government of Canada Public Health
You can also contact us directly to find out what specific protocols we are currently following to ensure everyone remains healthy and safe during an already stressful time.
