What should we do for funerals if our city or state restricts public gatherings?
On March 15, the CDC issued new guidance recommending that gatherings be restricted to 50 or fewer people for the subsequent eight weeks (until May 10).
On March 16, the White House released "The President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America - 15 Days to Slow the Spread." Among these guidelines are that people "Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people" for the next 15 days (until March 31).
Additionally, many states and local officials are placing restrictions on public gatherings. If your city or state has issued rules about mass gatherings that are more stringent than what federal officials recommend, these restrictions take precedence.
What are our alternatives?
In light of guidance being issued that restricts and/or bans mass gatherings, alternatives include:
- Hold a smaller service for immediate family that is webcast using either a webcasting service or Facebook Live.
- Record the service on video, which could be shared with whomever the family deems appropriate.
- If the immediate family holds a service now, plan a memorial gathering when restrictions are lifted
- Postpone the service until restrictions are lifted
- If the family selects immediate disposition, hold a memorial event when restrictions are lifted
Funeral Assistance through FEMA
Up to $9,000 in aid may be available for those who suffered the loss of a loved one from COVID-19.