Funeral Services During COVID-19 Pandemic

Funeral Services During COVID-19 Pandemic

Throughout Ontario, funerals are being postponed due to limits on gatherings. Should a family want to put their loved one to rest, we are allowing an opportunity for that to happen with strict restrictions. These temporary changes are set as per precautionary measures from the Moose Factory Emergency Pandemic Team.

All funerals will take place under the blue/white tent. Our Public Works team will have this set up on the lot formerly used by Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services (beside the old St. Thomas Anglican Church).

• Only immediate family are advised to attend a funeral.
• All seating will be placed 6 feet apart with the exception of the immediate family that live together.
• You must practice social distancing if you are not living in the same home.
• Those family members who are vulnerable or not living in the same home but want to attend a funeral may sit in a vehicle or stand on the outside of the tent adhering to social distancing criteria.
• Public feasts after a funeral will not be permitted.
• If family chooses to gather together it must consist only of your immediate family living at home.
• We are not recommending travel at this time for anyone as this is considered a risk.
• You must not attend the funeral if you have any signs of a cold, fever, achy bones, cough or fever or if you are vulnerable to illness. We need to ensure that our loved ones are safe from contracting illness especially those who are most at risk.
• The road will be blocked off to the public to allow family their privacy during the funeral service, so we urge people to abide to the road closure during a funeral.
• Only those attending the funeral will have access to enter the area.

These recommendations are also there to protect the health and safety of those conducting the services as well as the workers assisting with funeral preparations; they are vital to our community.

We understand that losing a loved one is a very difficult loss to endure and being surrounded closely by family and friends helps those in their loss and grieving. However, due to the seriousness of this coronavirus, we need to be the voice in this situation and look out for your safety and well-being. We pray that our community does not endure any losses from this virus.

We must continue to work together as a community and do our part to stop the spread of this virus amongst us.

For Assistance

If you have any questions regarding funeral arrangements and preparations, you can contact Rose Blackned, Community Liaison Worker, at 705-288-1863.

Thank you for your cooperation during these difficult times.