Say goodbye in small groups
Coming together to share the grief of a deceased loved one with family and friends is not going the way we are used to. The funeral industry has to adapt to the guidelines of the RIVM and that ensures severe measures for relatives.
Both the funeral and the condolence visit may not consist of more than 30 people. No coffee or tea is served at a funeral to avoid contamination. Hands should also not be shaken. “Put your hand on your heart as a condolence, instead of a hand or a hug”, advises the Trade Association of Certified Dutch Funeral Companies (BGNU).
Other space
A number of crematoria hold a service in two rooms. The people closest to the deceased are at the service itself. In the other room the service can be followed via a screen.
Cemetery and crematorium
For the ceremony in a crematorium or cemetery, it is advised to accompany the coffin with a small group. However, a funeral director can stream the ceremony in a different room for the other people who are present. An alternative to a large funeral is a memorial service at another time.
Died by coronavirus
If someone has died from the coronavirus, they still carry it with them. But since the virus is transmissible through coughing and sneezing, transmission is believed to be limited. Most people with the virus die in hospital, where the nurses wear protective clothing. This will be the same for the care in the funeral home. They will also wear masks and gloves when in contact with the family.
laying out at home
Until now, the deceased can still be laid out at home. Neither the GDD nor the RIVM gives negative advice on this. Current coverage on this topic can be found on the BGNU . website.
Measures at a glance
- Service of up to 30 people
- Don’t shake hands
- Keeping 1,5 meters away from each other
- No coffee or tea after the service
- Alternative way of condolences: put your hand on your heart
- Multiple rooms where services and ceremonies can be streamed
- No direct risk of contamination after death, but extra protection
- Laying out at home is still allowed
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