Capacity limits for funeral and faith services

The owner of Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel says 10 participants puts families in a tough spot.

Cameron Davis says it was easier to accommodate immediate family when 20 people were allowed.

And now there’s a decision process when it comes to only 10 guests who are able to attend.

Outdoor graveside services are also limited to a party of 10.

But there is some level of comfort for families when it comes to services.

Cameron says just about every single funeral service is now virtual.

“We have streamed services as far away to families in Africa. That one particular service was at 11 AM so it was 8 o’clock in the evening in South Africa so they could watch it real-time. We’ve done a bilingual graveside service and streamed it all the way to New Brunswick. That was a private service again so families could participate in real-time literally 3,500 kilometres away.”

Davis says services are also recorded and can be viewed 7 days after.

Online register books are also available for families.

When it comes to making funeral arrangements, Davis adds normally a whole family can help plan a service, now they are down to two people and more information is received electronically.

Meantime, places of worship for faith services are limited to in-person attendance of 15 people.

This is a decrease from the previous 15 percent capacity limit.

by Chantal Wagner

Capacity limits for funeral and faith services

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