Along with many government bodies around the world the New South Wales Government has updated their guidance on funerals to reflect infection rates
Funerals, memorial services and wakes - What has changed for funerals, memorial services and wakes held in NSW? The maximum number of people allowed at a funeral or memorial service is 100 people. This number must also take into account that there should be no more than one person per 4 square metres of space. Funerals at outdoor public places or place of residences are subject to the same limits The venue should also be registered as COVID Safe. These rules also apply to gatherings held immediately after the service.
What if the venue is relatively small? A funeral or memorial service must not have more than 100 people present and enough space to provide 4 square metres of space per person, whichever is the lesser.
How many people can I invite to a gathering after the funeral? If you’re planning a gathering after a funeral, the gathering will have a limit of 100 people, and there must be at least 4 square metres of space per person. Hospitality venues such as pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafés are permitted to accept a booking of up to 100 people for a gathering following a funeral provided there is 4 square metres of space per person. Venues must also be registered as COVID Safe. For a gathering after a funeral in an outdoor public place or a residential premises the 20 person limit does not apply. The maximum number of people permitted is the lesser of one person per 4 square metres of space, or 100 people. Separate safety precautions for serving food and drink and performances by choirs, singers and musicians also apply.
How do I know if my place of worship or funeral venue has been cleaned in a COVID-safe manner? You should discuss the venue’s cleaning policy with the venue operator. Under the NSW Health checklist, venues should ensure any areas frequented by staff or visitors are cleaned and disinfected at least daily. Staff should frequently clean and disinfect shared surfaces. This includes door handles, lift buttons, handrails, seating, tables and sinks and staff rooms. Staff should wear gloves when cleaning and wash hands thoroughly before and after with soap and water.
We want a guestbook at our loved one’s funeral. Is that OK? If you would like a guest book, consider asking guests to bring their own pen, or have a plan to clean any shared pens as well as the area around the book. If you would like one less concern at this difficult time, consider alternatives like a digital guestbook that can be filled in from home.
What about a funeral program or booklet? Talk to the funeral director about alternatives to books, booklets, or other shared objects used during the service. We also encourage online or electronic alternatives to any cash collections to be taken up in memory of the deceased.
Where can I find the conditions of entry to attend a funeral, memorial service or wake? Places of worship and other venues should have a mechanism in place to ensure the clear display of the conditions of entry. These conditions should be available to the public on the organisation’s website and social media platforms. Conditions should also be clearly displayed at all entrance points.
AUTUMN RESURGAM VOLUME 63 / ISSUE 3
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