Adapting to COVID-19 changes

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) continues to adapt its Registrar’s Directives and Notices for the safety of families and licensees in the evolving pandemic.

In follow up to last week’s Notice to the Profession about what measures are still in place in the bereavement sector, there are a few Registrar’s Directives that are being rescinded effective immediately.

Be aware that some of these may return along with additional measures depending on the extent of the pandemic’s second wave.

Rescinded COVID-19 Registrar’s Directives

– Previous Registrar’s Directives on attendance limits – rescinded:
Attendance limits for funeral services, prior to the Aug. 12 Directive, are rescinded. The Aug. 12 Directive remains in effect. It replaced previous directives on attendance limits, issued in tandem with provincial government measures in Stages 2 and 3.
– Registrar’s Directive on cemetery operating hours – rescinded:
Rescinded are the March 24 Directive that all cemeteries in Ontario are to “open their cemeteries and be available for interments immediately, or as soon as possible…”; and the April 11 Reminder that “that all crematoriums in Ontario must be ready to operate all day, every day, seven (7) days a week.”

Earlier rescindments

– The Expedited Death Response (EDR) ended for long-term care (LTC) facilities on June 30.
– The EDR ended for hospitals on June 17.
– June 21, these Registrar’s Directives were rescinded: ‘In-Person Witnessing at Cremations Prohibited’; and the ‘Addendum to: In-Person Witnessing at Cremations Prohibited’.

Stay clean – stay safe

Remember, cleaning and disinfecting your facility between services is more important than ever.

Wear a mask

Please also remember that everyone must wear a mask at all funerals and visitations.

Stay tuned

Stay tuned for changes when they come. Thank you for your diligence and dedication to grieving families.

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