Cemetery and Funeral Professionals reinforce commitment to service

Prepared to serve families in pandemic environment

TORONTO, April 20, 2020 /CNW/ - The Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals (OACFP) today reinforced the commitment of its 480 member firms to continuing to provide ceremonies to families, albeit within the new temporary modified rules for cemetery and funeral services. 

"In keeping with direction of Public Health authorities and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, cemetery and funeral professionals must keep the health and safety of themselves and those that they come into contact with an utmost priority," said, Darren Denomme, executive director, OACFP.  "This is especially critical for exposure to those working in our member establishments and in hospitals and long-term care homes."

On April 14, 2020 the Bereavement Authority of Ontario and the Office of the Chief Coroner put in place the Expedited Death Response procedure which prohibits funeral home representatives from entering hospitals and long-term care homes.  "This temporary pandemic-response measure is another means of further protecting front-line care workers from additional unnecessary exposure to individuals who, in the course of their work, need to attend multiple hospitals and care homes," noted Denomme. "This is a protective measure for both healthcare workers and cemetery and funeral professionals and ultimately the public."

"Transferring remains into the care of the bereavement professional in a timely and safety-forward manner opens up vital health care beds and capacity within the healthcare system while preventing a backlog of human remains," reinforced Steven Reynolds, president, OACFP board of directors.

Recognizing the importance of death rituals, OACFP is reminding Ontarians, and all Canadians, that cemetery and funeral professionals are here to serve families even under the current pandemic environment.  "Families are encouraged to plan cultural and religious ceremonies within the current restrictions and to work with their provider to understand the variety of available options," says Reynolds.  "We are innovating every day to enable grieving families to host rituals that celebrate and honour the lives of their loved ones in a modified and safe manner during this time."

About OACFP
Founded in 1913, the Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals (OACFP) www.OACFP.com is a unified Association of bereavement sector professionals providing a support network of education and resources to its members.

SOURCE Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals

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