Coronavirus funeral rules: State loosens policy; immediate family can attend
By Elizabeth Doran | edoran@syracuse.com
The immediate family of the deceased can now attend a private funeral and burial in New York. That’s the state government’s clarification of the rules, the state funeral director’s association said today.
After the governor’s executive order Friday banning gatherings, funeral directors were told there could be no funeral ceremonies or visitations in New York state because of the coronavirus shutdown.
Mike Lanotte, executive director and CEO of the New York State Funeral Directors Association, said his organization reached out to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office last night after directors began calling with questions about the executive order.
“We proactively reached out with questions after feedback from our members, and were later told immediate family can attend the private services,” Lanotte said.
Lanotte said the governor’s office did not tell him how many family members can attend. He said he is still awaiting an answer on that.
Funeral directors are relieved by this, Lanotte said. Families can now receive some comfort during an already stressful time by being able to say goodbye to their loved ones, he said.
Also, Lanotte said while the state health department still recommends burials or cremations take place now, funeral homes can delay the burial if they have proper storage. That can be worked out between the family and the funeral director, he said.
Posted: March 21st, 2020 under Heathcare News, State Government News.