COVID-19 Emergency Plan For Our Funeral Home
November 17, 2020 - Public Health Proclamation
On Monday, November 16, 2020 Governor Kim Reynolds addressed Iowans and updated the Iowa Public Health Proclamation. This Proclamation is effectice November 17, 2020 at 12:01 A.M. and goes through at least December 10, 2020. Listed below is information regarding funerals and visitations.
1. Indoor gathering of more than 15 people are prohibited, including visitations, family viewings, funeral lunches, etc. - the limit of 15 people includes any funeral directors and/or clergy present.
2. Outdoor gatherings of more than 30 people are prohibited, including visitations, graveside services, etc. - the limit of 30 people includes any funeral directors and/or clergy.
3. Spiritual and religous gatherings (indoors and outdoors), including funerals, are not prohibited, but it is upt to the church or host of a religious gathering to implement reasonable measures to ensure social distancing and to require face masks.
We understand the severity and risk involved with the Coronavirus. We want to let you know that we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure that we reduce your risk to exposure while in attendance at our facility.
March 17, 2020
On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Governor Kim Reynolds along with the Iowa Department of Public Health declared a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency. This declaration requires us to limit gatherings to 10 people or less.
At this time, the CDC states that decedents with COVID-19 may be buried or cremated according to the family's preference. In the state of Iowa, open casket viewing is prohibited if the decedent was COVID-19 positive at time of death.
To ensure that your risk is minimized while attending a gathering at our facility we have put the following Plan into place:
- Our staff will make environmental cleaning procedures top priority at our facilities. All door handles, knobs, faucets, toilets, water fountains and any surfaces that come into human contact will be diligently cleaned with an antibacterial agent.
- Hot beverages to the public will be suspended during this time to limit exposure. Individual water bottles will be available by request.
- Arrangement conferences will be limited to 4 people or less.
- Gatherings inside and outside our facility will be limited to 10 people or less. This includes church services and graveside services.
- Posters created by the CDC with information on the virus and how to protect yourself from contracting it will be posted throughout our facility.
- Hand sanitizer and Kleenex will be available.
- Systems will be put in place to give the public an opportunity to come, honor and pay their respects in a less crowded environment.
- Video recording of services will be available with the permission of the next of kin.
Honoring and remembering a life are what we are all about. Public health and safety are first and foremeost in our minds during this time. We have put together this plan for your protection, but we advise that if you have any concerns or apprehension about attending our facility, please stay safe at home.
Brian Cataldo - Owner/Funeral Director