BONNEY WATSON is closely monitoring and evaluating the ever-changing status of the coronavirus (COVID-19) that is impacting both our local communities and the world at large. In an effort to reduce confusion and alleviate stress to the best of our ability, we’ve compiled a list of popular questions related to funeral homes and coronavirus — offering a glimpse into how funeral homes like BONNEY WATSON are adjusting services during this unprecedented outbreak.
For more information on how BONNEY WATSON’s response to COVID-19, please click here.
What adjustments have Seattle funeral homes made during the coronavirus outbreak?
Seattle funeral arrangements during COVID-19 have changed as a result of the restrictions currently in place. COVID-19 funeral home rules during the current stay-at-home order, as defined in Governor Inslee’s letter on March 28, require that the arrangements be completed remotely via the phone and/or computer.
Since 1868, BONNEY WATSON has helped families honor their loved ones by upholding the traditions they value and cherish. Because of the coronavirus restrictions in place, we have had to limit scheduled activities to immediate family only with social distancing in place.
For many families, funerals and memorials during COVID-19 are being handled privately. Others have opted to postpone ceremonies to limit the spread of COVID-19, or conduct a virtual funeral with the immediate family present in the chapel and extended family and friends participating remotely via Zoom.
We are able to provide you with COVID-19 funeral assistance by contacting us at (206) 242-1787.
How will this impact grieving families?
COVID-19 funeral rules dictate that only immediate family, abiding by social distancing guidelines, are able to attend a ceremony at this time. Other family and friends are not allowed to be present in person until after the restrictions are lifted. This has taken an emotional toll on families and all other persons in mourning.
A funeral or memorial service is the natural way for extended family and friends to come together to offer support, and this is not possible while the current restrictions are in place. As a result, families are left to grieve the loss of their loved one alone.
One way funeral homes like BONNEY WATSON can assist during this trying time is by helping the family conduct a virtual funeral where the immediate family would be present in the chapel with extended friends and family participating remotely via Zoom.
In addition, BONNEY WATSON has a full array of grief-related resources that we can send you for your reference in the comfort and safety of your own home. We can provide you with funeral guidelines during COVID-19 that will allow you to explore further coronavirus funeral ideas.
For COVID-19 funeral assistance, please contact us at (206) 242-1787.
What options do I have if a death has occurred during the stay-at-home order (not caused by the virus)?
Coronavirus funeral rules and restrictions limit the options available if a death occurs while the stay-at-home restrictions are in place, but BONNEY WATSON would like to help you understand your options to hold a meaningful funeral or memorial service during this unprecedented time.
Immediate family members are able to view their deceased loved one as long as the person did not die from COVID-19. Thus, funerals are allowed for the immediate family only as long as social distancing guidelines are followed. BONNEY WATSON can provide you with the different options available to you to view your loved one prior to disposition.
While funerals during the coronavirus outbreak are limited to just immediate family, there are other ceremony alternatives that include extended family and friends. For example, many families have opted to host a virtual funeral or memorial service with the immediate family present in the chapel, and extended family and friends participating remotely via Zoom.
For COVID-19 funeral assistance, please contact us at (206) 242-1787.
What should I do if my family member died from coronavirus?
If a family member dies from the coronavirus, contact BONNEY WATSON for COVID-19 funeral assistance and we can make sure the necessary steps are taken with the local health officials.
No matter the cause of death, there are a number of preparations that need to be made once death has occurred. Here is a list of considerations you may find useful. Please note that this document was not created with coronavirus-related restrictions in mind; thus, it should only be used as an organizational tool at this time. Our staff is able to provide you with COVID-19 funeral assistance by contacting us at (206) 242-1787.
How are funeral homes handling COVID-19 deaths differently? Are funerals allowed?
Funeral arrangements during COVID-19 have changed as a result of the restrictions currently in place. COVID-19 funeral home rules require that the arrangements be completed remotely via the phone and/or computer. For many families, funerals during COVID-19 are being handled privately.
Immediate family members are able to view their deceased loved one as long as the person did not die from COVID-19; unfortunately, those who have lost a loved one to COVID-19 will not be able to view the body under current restrictions. Though an unideal and painful adjustment to make, this restriction was put in place to ensure the health and wellness of grieving families.
Additionally, funeral homes like BONNEY WATSON are taking extra precautions (as outlined by the CDC) during the embalming process, requiring additional face protection for funeral directors. If a family does not want their loved one to be embalmed, BONNEY WATSON can still make arrangements for the immediate family to view their loved one prior to any scheduled activities and/or disposition.
For more information on how funeral homes have adjusted during this time, please call BONNEY WATSON at (206) 242-1787.
If a loved one (or I myself) comes down with the virus, what preparations need to be made?
Funeral arrangements during COVID-19 have changed as a result of the restrictions currently in place. COVID-19 funeral home rules require that the arrangements be completed remotely via the phone and/or computer.
Whether you have the virus or not, however, many families recognize the importance of making their funeral arrangements in advance of the need to ensure that everything is taken care of exactly the way they would like. We are able to provide you with COVID-19 funeral assistance, as well as a free Personal Planning Guide, on an advanced-need basis by contacting us at (206) 242-1787 or submitting the form below.