Funeral in the time of lockdown? What you need to know
Citizens having to arrange or attend a funeral, have to familiarise themselves with certain government regulations that apply during the lockdown.
Experiencing the loss of a loved one can be especially hard in the time of the nationwide lockdown. Certain regulations were put in place by government, among which that no more than 50 people are allowed to attend a funeral or service, and you will also need a permit.
Should you have to host a funeral and apply for a permit, here are certain regulations that you need to familiarise yourself with:
The deceased’s family applies for a permit for a funeral service at their nearest police station.
A permission for a service be held at home and church must be requested (time must be specified).
Authorities may inspect the church for compliance.
The deceased’s family will get an affidavit.
The family must then invite mourners.
The pastor will also have to apply for a permit to conduct the funeral service.
The pastor gets affidavit confirming they are appointed by the deceased’s family.
The pastor explains lockdown regulations to the family (such as disinfecting of hands, coffin and no touching of corpse, etc).
The undertaker obtains affidavit clearly stating the route to be used.
The pastor explains procedure before mourners enter the church.
Attendance register is completed.
Strictly 50 people or less are allowed to attend the service.
The duration of the funeral service should only be one hour.
All mourners are sanitised.
No sharing of microphones for singers and MC.
Microphones used for speeches be sanitised after every speaker.
Social distancing must be observed.
Pallbearers must put on gloves.
After service, use designated route to the cemetery.
At the cemetery gate, authorities inspect all documents and take originals (make sure you have photocopies of everything, including the register).
Mourners and cars are physically counted.
Each car must carry half the usual load.
Any person beyond the required 50 is denied access.
After short graveside service, you don’t fill the grave but leave it to the municipal workers to do the rest. Three family members should stay behind to witness the closure of the grave.
The rest of the mourners go back to the house, collect takeaways and leave. No hanging around, no after-service prayer for the family.
All related permits expire.
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