COVID-19 cemetery restrictions

Reminder – May 8, 2020

There are restrictions on visiting cemeteries in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) wants families to know that many cemeteries are closed to the public on various days, while others are open, depending on the decisions of each cemetery across the province.

At cemeteries that are open, people still must adhere to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act regulation limiting gatherings to five people. Cemeteries can impose further restrictions on access.

People must also follow these COVID-19 restrictions:

• For funeral services at the gravesite, there can be no more than 10 people, not counting funeral staff – but only for funeral services. Otherwise, five is the maximum.
• Physical distancing between people, of two metres apart, must be practiced at all times by everyone in the cemetery.

FYI – Earlier this week, the BAO issued a statement about Mother’s Day in relation to visiting cemeteries. Read more about COVID-19 restrictions, directives and guidance in the bereavement sector on our Ready…together index page.