On May 13, 2020 PEI Funeral Services and Professions Board received updated orders from the Chief Public Health Office regarding funerals, visitation and related services.
Some of the pertinent points are:
- The number of family members making visitation/funeral/memorial arrangements is limited to no more than 5 persons;
- Visiting hours are restricted to the immediate (same) household and up to 5 persons from other households (not counting funeral home staff);
- Staggering visitation is permitted. Enhanced cleaning and physical distancing must be followed;
- In-person signing of the guest book and taking memorials/donations is not permitted. Instead, online mechanisms for people to offer condolences and give memorials/donations are to be used;
- Funeral and/or memorial services may occur but must follow gathering limitations outlined in #2 and ensure physical distancing;
- All public receptions are to be cancelled and must not be hosted;
- Space at the funeral home must be set up so as to accommodate appropriate physical distancing of at least 2-metres or 6 feet from all individuals, at all times;
- At the funeral home, shaking hands, hugging, etc. is not permitted;
- At cemeteries, gatherings are limited to immediate (same) household members and no more than 10 people (not counting funeral home staff);
- At cemeteries shaking hands, hugging, etc. is not permitted;
- At cemeteries, physical distancing of 2 metres or 6 feet between individuals and/or households must be practised.
These orders may be updated and changed as the situation changes