San Benito County, California – May 1, 2020: The San Benito County Public Health Officer Dr. David Ghilarducci, MD, FACEP has released local guidance for the Mortuary and Cemetery Industry in reference to Governor Newsom’s Stay-at-Home order after the local Public Health Order expires on Sunday, May 3rd.
Attached is the guidance for the Mortuary and Cemetery Industry in San Benito County.
Please contact the Public Information Officer, David Westrick at 831-636-4168 if you have any questions or concerns.
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Mortuary and Cemetery Guidance
While we recognize the death care industry as an essential service, we also recognize social gatherings are a major contributor to the spread of COVID-19. We know that families are being forced to balance beliefs, rituals and traditions. However, we must maintain our efforts to ensure the health and safety of all. Therefore, we ask that you adhere to the following guidance.
Preference:
• Direct Burial or Direct Cremation, with no persons in attendance.
Alternative Guidance Per Service:
• Cemetery Graveside and Cemetery Drive-Through allowed. See Faith Based Guidance
• Mortuary visitation or viewing no more than 30 minutes.
• No family home or off-site visitation or viewing.
• No more than 10 persons, including clergy.
• Family will disclose to clergy if decedent is COVID-19 positive.
• No rotation or interchanging of the 10 persons.
• No ill persons in attendance.
• All persons must wear a face covering.
• Avoid touching the body of someone who has died of COVID-19
• All persons must maintain social distancing of 6ft.
• No more than 15 minutes allowed at graveside.
• No more than 10 cars allowed at cemetery.
• The temporary closure of cemeteries for regular visitation.
• If you are unable to accommodate, close service to visitors.
Your dedication to protect your staff, the families you service and all those in the community in a safe and effective manner is commendable. We must all work together to slow the spread of the virus.
Approved by Dr. David Ghilarducci 05-01-2020
