Notice to the Profession: Proof of Vaccination Requirement for Funerals

Note: Government of Ontario – Effective October 13, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., proof of vaccination or an eligible exemption, is required to attend a social gathering associated with a funeral service, rite or ceremony in a meeting or event space.
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On Sept. 14, 2021, the government released regulations and guidance for businesses and organizations to support them in implementing proof of vaccination requirements for patrons.

(This government regulation comes into force on Sept. 22, 2021.)

This Notice to the Profession provides guidance regarding how these requirements apply to the bereavement sector.

Proof of vaccination requirements do not apply to:

• Funeral services including rites, ceremonies, visitations, receptions, or social gatherings held in places of worship. 
   
• Funeral services including rites, ceremonies, visitations, receptions, or social gatherings held in funeral establishments, cemeteries, crematoriums, and similar establishments that provide bereavement services and are licensed to operate under the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002. 
   
• Funeral services conducted in any indoor setting, limited to the actual funeral rites or ceremonies, but not an associated social gathering or reception. These settings can include any meeting or event space, conference centre, or convention centre.

Proof of vaccination requirements apply to social gatherings or receptions associated with a funeral service, rite, or ceremony in a meeting or event space, conference centre, or convention centre.

Additional information in these Government of Ontario links:  

• Ontario Regulation 
• Sept. 14 News Release 
• Sept. 14 Backgrounder/FAQ PDF 
• Sept. 14 Ministry of Health Guidance document PDF

(Measures from the previous Registrar’s Directive are also still in place.
Registrar’s Directive:
Capacity limits removed; Physical distancing, mask-wearing requirements remain)

-Carey Smith, CEO/Registrar