Funeral Guidelines during COVID
UPDATED: March 17, 2021
St. John’s COVID-19 Funeral Protocols
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Please stay home if one of these apply
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You have a fever / running a temperature of 100.4 or more
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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
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Anyone in your home is sick
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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
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All rules will be communicated ahead of time to family members
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Pastors will handle this task in their preparation meetings
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NEW: 100 people maximum in the worship space
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Includes pastor and staff, including sound tech and organist
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All seating must be socially-distanced
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Pews will be roped off indicating appropriate seating for guests
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Children must sit with family
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Signage regarding mask-wearing expectation will be posted on outside doors
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No personal contact of any kind (handshaking, hugging, etc.)
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Masks must be worn by all church staff, family, and guests
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May be removed when speaking at microphone
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Music and hymns must be recorded but not sung
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Live music can only be instrumental
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Organ, piano, guitar but no wind instruments
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Non -service activities
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No food or luncheon inside church
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No visitation at the church
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Limited use of restrooms will be allowed
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Outside of restrooms and the worship space the building will not be available for use of any kind
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Arrival / exit
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Family may arrive 30 minutes prior to the service to coordinate with pastor, arrange flowers, other preparation
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Guest arrival 10 minutes prior to service
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All exit immediately after service
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Traffic flow will be marked in the worship service
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If maximum occupancy is exceeded a broadcast service into the parking lot will be offered as an alternative
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Family responsible for video recording service, if desired
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Pastors will strive for a 45 - 50 minute service
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Contact tracing
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St. John’s will utilize a sign-up tool to collect attendance information ahead of time
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Additionally, we will provide a form and collection box for handwritten contact information at the service
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