(Ross Lavigne/ CHATNEWSToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Funeral homes react to easement of service gathering restrictions

Jan 19, 2021 | 3:43 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- Since the start of the pandemic, laying your loved ones to rest has meant changes to how funeral services are held. From gathering restrictions to increased sanitization.

The gathering restrictions have led Grace Memorial Affordable Burial and Cremation, and other funeral homes to opt for more virtual services to comply with the regulations. The funeral home recently opened on Dec 21, 2020.

“This has dramatically changed our business because we are now able to live stream or videotape services, and families are able to watch them remotely either by smartphones, laptops any type of device they would like to use,” said owner Brian Redpath of Grace Memorial Affordable Burial and Cremation.”

Recently, the province announced an easement in-service gathering restrictions from 10 to 20.

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Redpath said with the restrictions eased he expects more people to take part in a more traditional service.

” We are expecting more people to want to come so we do try to make families more aware when they do come in to make arrangements, what the restrictions are, how many people they can have within their cohorts as well,” he said.

Under the restrictions set out by the province, guests at funeral services must wear masks and stay two metres apart.

Funeral receptions remain banned under public health restrictions.