COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
We are committed to helping families farewell their loved ones respectfully and within the current Government regulations.
What are the current restrictions?
The NSW Government has announced that restrictions will ease for funerals across NSW from Monday 8 November. The maximum number of attendees at a funeral service will be limited only by the 2sqm per person rule for fully vaccinated attendees.
If any attendees are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated the service will be limited to a maximum of 10 attendees.
Please visit the NSW Government website to find out more about the current restrictions.
How many people can attend the service?
Effective from Monday 8 November, a funeral service will be limited only by the 2spm per person rule for fully vaccinated attendees.
All attendees must have a copy of their vaccination certificate or medical exemption to show to staff to gain entry to the service.
If any attendees are unvaccinated the service will need to reduce to the current 10 person limit.
If we are capped to only 10 attendees, can different people attend different aspects of the funeral service - eg. viewing, memorial service, burial - as long as we stay to the limit of 10 people?
No. It’s important to understand that only the same 10 people are able to attend each event. This is regardless of if the viewing, memorial or burial is held on a separate day to the funeral service. This is in-line with the NSW Government guidelines and was confirmed by the COVID-19 Policy Team, Public Health Response Branch, NSW Ministry of Health. The intent of the 10 people rule is to limit the number of people mixing during a funeral service so that if an attendee subsequently becomes COVID positive, the risk of transmission is limited to that small group.
What will happen to the funeral we have coming up?
We are working with families to ensure services celebrate the life of their loved one and comply with the current guidelines.
The health, safety and wellbeing of our team and the families we serve is of the utmost importance to us. We have been providing funeral and memorial services to Australians for many decades and will always put our client families at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to helping families farewell their loved ones respectfully and within the current and relevant Government advice and regulations.
How can I include others in my loved one’s funeral?
To help adhere to the current regulations, we encourage families to utilise our live streaming, webcasting and recording audio-visual technology, which is available in many of our funeral homes.
Where it’s not available our teams look to source local suppliers with this.
Do the guidelines/restrictions affect the actual funeral ceremony or just the number of people attending?
There are no changes to the service itself. All services just need to be conducted within the current guidelines/ restrictions for a number of people and social distancing measures.
Are cemeteries open?
Yes, cemeteries are open.
What are you doing to ensure you are compliant?
We are staying close to the most up-to-date information available from the Australian Government’s Department of Health, external medical experts and liaising with the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA).
We are also employing the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained.
What happens if my loved one had Coronavirus?
There are certain guidelines from the Department of Health which include restrictions for viewing and dressing of the deceased. They also include recommendations for no embalming for the safety of our teams. These restrictions would be discussed with you at the time to ensure you have the most relevant and up-to-date information.
What happens if the restrictions are changed again?
We are staying close to the most up-to-date information available from the Australian Government’s Department of Health, external medical experts and liaising with the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA).
Do the same guidelines/restrictions apply if we have the funeral in a church?
Yes. The same restrictions apply in any location or venue.
How long will these restrictions last?
We are unsure at this stage and in regular contact with the Australian Government’s Department of Health, external medical experts and liaising with the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA). These regulations are also been monitored by the State Government and police with on the spot fines.
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For the latest advice, information and resources on COVID-19, please visit www.health.gov.au or call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.