Remote Funeral Services: Dignified Funerals During A Pandemic
Trying to plan and prepare for a funeral during this pandemic can be a frustrating and confusing experience; what are you allowed to do? Reports show that nearly 30% of people are opting out of funerals altogether due to the pandemic, but what those that still want a funeral? The answer to a dignified send-off for the deceased may be a remote funeral; funeral directors and associates are becoming seasoned and savvy in the art of cyber funerals and virtual attendance amid social distancing guidelines and quarantines.
Some things to know about remote funeral services include the following:
Social Distancing
Most American cities have social distancing guidelines in place due to Coronavirus, and groups larger than ten people are prohibited in most regions. This means that many mourners may get turned away if they show up at funerals during this pandemic. Consider the impacts on a global scale; for instance, it is not unusual for Muslim funerals to typically have over a thousand attendees.
Remote Services
The answer to funerals during the pandemic might involve remote services, where family and friends may attend via Zoom, Skype, YouTube, or Google meeting platforms. This can allow the guest to attend without the risk of Coronavirus and permits the deceased to still be memorialized by all who knew them. Basically, participants tune-in to an online meeting spot at a designated time for the funeral; video camera capabilities will be needed.
Home-Based Memorials
Many of these remote services include families choosing to host a memorial or funeral at their home. This still involves a funeral home but allows everyone the comfort of staying in without the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Community Shrine
Since visitation hours at the funeral home might be out until the pandemic has passed, consider honoring the deceased with a shrine outside their home or in another public, yet permitted, place. A drop box for notes and trinkets is one idea as well as a shrine of candles in a safe spot for others to visit.
Acts of Nurturance
Memorialize someone you love in a way that prevents risks associated with Coronavirus; nurture something! Start a garden, plant a tree, or adopt a pet as a symbol of remembrance for the individual that has passed. This can be a sign of hope and positive way to honor the life of the deceased.
Talk to funeral planning services to learn more about the possibility of a remote funeral service for someone that has passed. They will be able to discuss your options, as well as the guidelines and restrictions in-place for your region.
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