First Memorial Funeral Services

  Learn More about Applicable Guidelines and Directives The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on a slew of measures by public health authorities to keep people safe and prevent the spread of the disease. Various safety protocols and guidelines are issued for each industry, and funeral homes are no exception. Here are some insights into the  new rules for Ottawa funeral homes  during the COVID-19 pandemic. Expedited Death Response Plan : In the early phase of the pandemic, funeral homes had a fixed, accelerated window to collect the body of the deceased. Once contacted, they needed to complete the process within a one-hour period if the collection point is a hospital, and within a 3-hour period for long-term care facilities. Effective June 12, 2020, this process was discontinued. However, if there is an outbreak at the hospital, or a drastic change in the situation, provincial or local public health authorities can issue revised directives and reinstate the expedited death res...

  A Virtual Funeral May be a More Practical Option The COVID-19 pandemic has not only altered the way we live, work, and socialize, but it has also impacted the way we mourn our loved ones. With the guidelines on physical distancing and restrictions on the size of gatherings still in place in most provinces across the country, funeral homes in Ottawa have also had to adapt to the present realities. Here are some aspects of planning a funeral in Ottawa that could be different in the COVID-19 era. Limiting the size of the gatherings : Although traditionally, funerals have involved large gatherings in enclosed spaces, currently this is not a possibility. You may have to control the total number of people that will attend the funeral or spread out invitees over different events or ceremonies. Digital services : If close relatives are not in a position to attend the funeral due to travel restrictions or health concerns, you may want to consider other options, such as virtual funeral ser...