Funeral Guidelines during COVID

UPDATED:  March 17, 2021

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St. John’s COVID-19 Funeral Protocols

 

  • Please stay home if one of these apply

    • You have a fever / running a temperature of 100.4 or more

    • You are experiencing any symptoms such as: headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat, diarrhea/vomiting, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, and/ or body aches

    • Anyone in your home is sick

    • You have been exposed to the Corona virus in the last 14 days and have not had a test confirming that you are not carrying the virus

 

  • All rules will be communicated ahead of time to family members

    • Pastors will handle this task in their preparation meetings

 

  • NEW:  100 people maximum in the worship space

    • Includes pastor and staff, including sound tech and organist

 

  • All seating must be socially-distanced

    • Pews will be roped off indicating appropriate seating for guests

    • Children must sit with family

    • Signage regarding mask-wearing expectation will be posted on outside doors

    •  No personal contact of any kind (handshaking, hugging, etc.)

 

  • Masks must be worn by all church staff, family, and guests

    • May be removed when speaking at microphone

 

  • Music and hymns must be recorded but not sung

    • Live music can only be instrumental 

    • Organ, piano, guitar but no wind instruments

 

  • Non -service activities

    • No food or luncheon inside church

    • No visitation at the church

    • Limited use of restrooms will be allowed

    • Outside of restrooms and the worship space the building will not be available for use of any kind

 

  • Arrival / exit

    • Family may arrive 30 minutes prior to the service to coordinate with pastor, arrange flowers, other preparation

    • Guest arrival 10 minutes prior to service

    • All exit immediately after service

    • Traffic flow will be marked in the worship service

    • If maximum occupancy is exceeded a broadcast service into the parking lot will be offered as an alternative

  • Family responsible for video recording service, if desired

 

  • Pastors will strive for a 45 - 50 minute service

 

  • Contact tracing

    • St. John’s will utilize a sign-up tool to collect attendance information ahead of time

    • Additionally, we will provide a form and collection box for handwritten contact information at the service