Covid 19 Response
As most of you know the arrival of the Covid 19 Virus has altered the manner in which we carry out our daily lives. Unfortunately it also changes the way we memorialize and celebrate the life of a loved one. What Covid 19 hasn’t changed is our commitment in helping families commemorate the lives of their loved one. In saying that we still have many options to do so in a safe manner that is both honourable and respectful to the deceased and their families. We are honoured to discuss options or any questions you may have at this time and you need only contact us at 902-894-4321 or by email at [email protected].
Along with thoroughly washing hands, social distancing, and providing a clean sanitized environment we are following the mandate set forth for us by Dr. Heather Morrison as posted. We thank Dr. Morrison for these guidelines and by following these measures we will be sure to provide a safe environment for the families we serve and of course importantly our committed staff. Our hours remain the same although we would ask people to call ahead when visiting the funeral home. As always we are here to serve you 24 hours a day and you need only call for assistance.
I want to thank all of you for your patience and understanding at one of the most difficult times in your lives and if there is anything at all we can possibly do to lighten your burden please do not hesitate to bring it to our attention.
Kevin Gallant and Staff Hennessey Cutcliffe Charlottetown Funeral Home
It is important to recognize this important ritual in our community and among our family and friends. However, to help prevent the spread of illness the following Orders are set forth by the Chief Public Health Office:
There are many practices Funeral Home Directors can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to keep staff, families and visitors safe and healthy.
Guidance - Funeral Homes and COVID-19
Public Health measures (e.g. physical distancing) have been put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to mitigate the societal and health care system impact of the disease. These restrictions affect funerals and burials as well as cemetery and crematorium operations, even when the death is unrelated to COVID-19.
Regardless of the cause of death, death care providers should consider the use of virtual technologies (e.g. telephone, video conference, video recordings) in place of in-person services and gatherings. These technologies allow for broader inclusion and participation and are currently being practiced in many areas of the country.
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing measures are approaches taken to minimize close contact with others in the community. These include quarantine and self-isolation, avoiding common greeting practices like hugging and handshakes, avoiding crowds, cancelling public/mass gatherings, and implementing workplace measures and closures.
There are many practices Funeral Home Directors can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to keep staff, families and visitors safe and healthy.
At the funeral home:
1. Limit the number of family members making arrangements to no more than 15 persons;
2. Restrict visitation to the immediate household and up to 20 persons from other households (not counting funeral home staff);
3. Refrain from in-person signing of the guest book and taking memorials/donations. Instead, use online mechanisms for people to offer condolences and give memorials/donations;
4. Funeral and/or memorial services can occur. Organized gatherings of up to 50 persons are permitted to be held at an indoor or outdoor location provided businesses, services or organizations follow the Organized Gatherings Guidance (
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/multiple-gatherings-guidance ).
5. Cancel and abstain from hosting all public visitation and receptions;
6. Set up your space to accommodate appropriate physical distancing of at least 2-meters or 6 feet from all individuals, at all times;
7. Do not permit shaking hands, hugging, etc.;
8. Encourage hand washing by making available alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with a minimum of 60% alcohol content) or access to washrooms that are always well stocked with liquid soap and paper towels;
9. Have extra tissues on hand and a hands-free waste basket for disposal;
10. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, table-tops, bathrooms and other surfaces; and
11. Staff in Long-term Care facilities and Nursing Homes must refrain from creating receiving lines to honour the decedent.
*Based on the guidance, staggering visitation is permitted. Enhanced cleaning and physical distancing must be followed.
*If you are contemplating having more than one gathering at one time in a facility (indoor or outdoor), consult the Multiple Gatherings(
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/multiple-gatherings-guidance
At burials and cemeteries:
1. Organized gatherings of up to 50 persons are permitted to be held at an indoor or outdoor location provided businesses, services or organizations follow the Organized Gatherings Guidance (
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/multiple-gatherings-guidance ).
2. Do not permit shaking hands, hugging, etc.;
3. Practice physical distancing of 2 metres/6 feet between individuals and/or households.
*Vehicles are permitted at the cemetery. Individuals should not exit their vehicle or gather as this may exceed the maximum outdoor gathering limit. This practice is at the discretion of cemetery operators.