Registrar’s Directive: BAO additional restrictions for bereavement sector

Effective Monday, Nov. 23, 2020
 
The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) has introduced additional COVID-19 safety restrictions effective Monday at 12:01 a.m.
 
The BAO has added to its restrictions in the Registrar’s Directive issued on Nov. 12. This directive and the BAO’s new chart replace it.
 
The BAO’s colour-code system of regional pandemic restrictions for funeral homes, cemeteries, crematoriums and hydrolysis facilities are aligned with the Government of Ontario’s regional framework, which was revised this afternoon (Nov. 20, 2020).
 
The government’s changes include new restrictions, such as health unit jurisdictions that have been placed in the Grey Zone – Lockdown. Toronto and Peel are under the Lockdown restrictions, starting Monday, Nov. 23.
 
2-Step process
 
Determining which bereavement sector restrictions are applicable where you live and/or work is a quick two-step process: 

• Step-1. Check which colour zone your funeral home, cemetery, crematorium or hydrolysis facility is currently in on this Government of Ontario COVID-19 Framework webpage. 
• Step-2. Read the BAO’s new chart to see which restrictions apply to your colour zone.

Drive-Thru Visitations

The BAO’s Drive-Thru Directive in the first wave of the pandemic remains in place.

It will be more relevant now, especially for areas in the Lockdown zone. Please refer to the directive for the rules that apply to drive-thru visitations.

Thank you for strictly following all of these restrictions in this changing environment. Your diligence and dedication to safety for families and staff is greatly appreciated.

-Carey Smith, CEO/Registrar