UPDATE: November 11th, 2021
Public Health measures (e.g. physical distancing) have been put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to mitigate the societal and health system impacts of the disease. These measures affect funerals and burials as well as cemetery and crematorium operations, whether or not the death is related to COVID-19.
At the Funeral Home:
General
- Consider the use of virtual technologies (e.g. telephone, video conference, video recordings) in place of or to supplement in-person services and gatherings.
- Set up your space to accommodate physical distancing of 2-meters or 6 feet between staff and families
- Follow current mask guidelines.
- Encourage hand washing by making available alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with a minimum of 60% alcohol content) or access to washrooms that are always well stocked with liquid soap and paper towels;
- Enhance cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, table-tops, bathrooms and other surfaces.
- Develop and follow a policy to prevent staff and others who are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19 from working or participating in an activity.
- Consider the use of alternatives to in-person signing of the guest book and taking memorials/donations, such as online mechanisms for people to offer condolences and give memorials/donations; if sharing items, ensure
- hand washing facilities or alcohol-based sanitizers are within easy reach,
- any high touch surfaces are frequently cleaned and disinfected
Funeral and/or memorial services
For funeral and memorial services, the PEI Vax Pass program does NOT apply; public health measures remain in place.
Organized gatherings of up to 100 persons indoors and 200 persons outdoors are permitted to be held at an indoor or outdoor location provided businesses, services or organizations follow the Public Health Measures Guidance and an operational plan outlining measures to mitigate transmission of COVID-19 is in place and followed.
Funeral services may include up to 200 people, plus officials, when held at a facility that has been approved for up to 200 people, with a maximum cohort of 100 indoor or 200 outdoors; up to two cohorts of 100 permitted indoors (to a maximum of 200 people) with a prior approval of the operational plan as per the Public Health Measures Guidance.
Visitations
The PEI Vax Pass program applies to visitations, requiring verification of proof of vaccination. As of November 2nd, there are no cohort limits for PEI Vax Pass program activities and events. More information about the program for businesses, organizations and event organizers is available here.
It remains important at visitations for public health measures to be implemented (as outlined here) including non-medical masks be worn during the visitations (as required in indoor public places), that access to hand hygiene is provided and that people do not attend if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
Without a proof of vaccination:
- Separate visitations with the deceased may be scheduled for up to 20 members of a household/close social contacts., without others present (excluding staff).
Funeral receptions
Beginning Oct 5, 2021, the PEI Vax Pass program applies to funeral receptions. More information about the program for businesses, organizations and event organizers is available here.
At Burials and Cemeteries
For burial services, the PEI Vax Pass program does NOT apply; public health measures remain in place.
Organized gatherings of up to 100 persons indoors or 200 persons outdoors are permitted to be held at an indoor or outdoor location provided businesses, services or organizations follow the Public Health Measures Guidance and an operational plan outlining measures to mitigate transmission of COVID-19 is in place and followed. Burial services may include up to 200 people, plus officials; up to two cohorts of 100 are permitted indoors with a prior approval, or up to one cohort of 200 outdoors, as per the Public Health Measures Guidance.
- Physical distancing of 2 metres/6 feet between individuals from different households/different close social groups.
*At the discretion of cemetery operators, additional individuals in vehicles may be permitted at the cemetery, provided individuals do not exit their vehicle or gather as this may exceed the maximum outdoor gathering limit.
Exemptions from self-isolation to attend a funeral or burial or visit with the deceased
People who have received an exemption from self-isolation for attending a funeral or burial service or a separate visitation on appointment with the deceased must:
- self-isolate, except when at the funeral or burial service or visiting with the deceased, for their first 8 days in PEI (subject to a negative test on day 8) or the duration of their stay if shorter.
- self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19,
- stay in self-isolation if experiencing symptoms,
- follow the designated testing schedule,
- have received a negative COVID-19 test in the 24 hours before any visitation, funeral or burial service.
- during the funeral or burial service, or a separate appointment to visit with the deceased,
- keep 6 feet or 2 metre distance from others
- wear a non-medical mask
- perform hand hygiene and practice cough etiquette, and
- follow other general public health measures.
This exemption does not apply if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. More information for on the self isolation exemption can be found here.
Please note that any guidance shared is subject to change
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me anytime at (902) 687-2075.
Sincerely,
N. Lamoureux