We remain at Level 2 in the Covid-19 Pandemic situation and the following guidelines have been updated.

• Funerals and burials will be limited to no more than 100 people (including the officiant), provided that physical distancing can be maintained.
• Visitations are permitted with restrictions and remain limited to 20 people at a time.
• You are required to wear a non-medical mask when inside places of worship and funeral homes, except when seated, provided physical distancing of two metres can be achieved between individuals or bubbles, in accordance with the Special Measures Order.
• Those symptomatic or self-isolating are not permitted to attend. This includes returning travellers who are self-isolating.
• If a rotational worker, as defined by the May 29 Special Measures Order, is a member of the immediate family of the deceased, they can attend a visitation with family they are already interacting with, but they are not permitted to attend a funeral. As of July 3, 2020, individuals travelling from the Atlantic Provinces are exempt from self-isolation and can attend funerals and burials

Visitations

• Members of the immediate family (spouse, children, parents, siblings) may remain with the deceased. The immediate members do not need to remain the same throughout the entire visitation and can switch, as needed.
• The immediate family members can receive visitors. These visitors should come in groups within their bubbles, with only one bubble permitted at a time. Ask families to practice physical distancing between household bubbles.
• It is permitted to establish a system for attendees in the same extended bubble to reserve a specific time to visit.
• Ask individuals to wait in their car until they are permitted to enter to ensure there are no lines forming or gatherings.
• The maximum number of people in the visitation room at one time (including staff and family) should be the number that can be accommodated with physical distancing, according to the room size, but not exceed 20.
• Funeral homes should ask people attending to voluntarily provide their names and contact information for contact tracing. This information can be disposed of after 14 days.
• For funeral homes that are unable to accommodate the scheduled visitation process described above, one viewing with a maximum of 20 people is recommended. If the funeral home space cannot accommodate 20 people with physical distancing, a second viewing can be arranged to accommodate the people who could not attend the first viewing.
• Touching of the deceased, their clothing or coffin is discouraged; however, if the family determines that this is an essential part of the funeral or bereavement event, it will be permitted as long as hand sanitizer or soap and running water is provided; and, attendees are instructed to wash or sanitize their hands thoroughly after touching the deceased, their clothing, or the coffin.
• Guest books are not permitted.
• Attendees bringing gifts, cards, money, or other items for the deceased or the family should not hand them directly to the family or any other individual. Alternatives include online donations or a designated area for attendees to place items and donations. When handling for the purpose of transport or storage, they should be left for 24 hours or the individual who touches them should practice proper hand hygiene before and after doing so.

Funerals/Burials

• For funerals and burials, individuals should gather in their household/extended bubbles and ensure at least tw0 metres between each group. No more than 100 individuals can attend.
• Singing and playing wind/brass instruments is not recommended, due to increased risk of spread of virus with these activities. If such activities must occur they should be performed by as few people as possible who are positioned at least 12 feet from each other and all others. There must be no sharing of instruments or microphones. Choirs are not permitted.
• Pallbearing should be avoided. Honorary pallbearers who walk alongside the casket are an option. If pallbearing is required or specifically requested by the family, pallbearers should:
• wear a mask;
• ensure physical distancing is maintained where possible;
• minimize the distance traveled to avoid exertion and heavy breathing; and,
• wash or sanitize hands immediately before and after handling surfaces.
• People 60 years of age or older and individuals with underlying medical conditions should not act as pallbearers.

Our focus at Dunphy’s is always on providing comfort and care to our families who have lost loved ones. During these exceptional times we need to find ways for our families to grieve and start the healing process, while at the same time provide a safe and secure environment for them to do so. In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic Dunphy’s has implemented the following practices and procedures to date:

• Implemented a regular disinfecting of our public areas beyond our regular cleaning.
• Posted signage throughout our facilities to avoid hand shaking and close personal contact.
• Posted signage advising of proper handwashing.
• We are recommending that people pay their respects by phone call or by offering on-line condolences through our web site and avoid visiting the funeral home.
• We are telling family members that have been out of the province over past 14 days or are experiencing flu-like symptoms to avoid visiting the funeral home.
• We have closed our lounges, and are advising families not to bring food or beverages to the funeral home.
• We will continue to monitor the situation and will update our policies as the need arises, keeping our families needs and public safety in mind.

Thank you for your understanding,

Ron Fitzpatrick