News

Families devastated but funerals proceed

IT’S not only drastically affecting the way we live but Covid-19 is also affecting the way we die, with funerals limited to 10 people and more services and wakes being live-streamed.
Invocare, which owns Guardian Funerals in Lidcombe and Merrylands, is reassuring families that funeral ceremonies will proceed as scheduled within the current government regulations.
“We will work with families to ensure services comply with the updated guidelines which limit attendees of funerals services to 10 people, including clergy, celebrant, staff and mourners,” a spokesperson said.
“This is in addition to the existing guidelines which require funeral homes to provide a minimum space of 4sqm a person and to ensure 1.5m social distancing practices are adhered to.
“The health, safety and well-being of our team and the families we serve is of the utmost importance to us.
“To help adhere to the new regulations, we encourage families to utilise our live streaming, webcasting and recording audio-visual technology, which is currently available in many of our funeral homes.
“To ensure full availability, our teams are working toward securing these services via local providers for funeral homes that do not currently offer them.”
And if the burial is held outside, can more people attend?
“No. This still needs to be in accordance with the updated guidelines (whether inside or out) which limit attendees of funerals services to 10 people, including clergy, celebrant, staff and mourners,” the spokesperson added.
For more info, visit health.gov.au, call 1300 181 300 or the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.