Registrar’s Directive: COVID-19 changes go into place Feb. 17

Effective Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022

This Registrar’s Directive will rescind and replace previous COVID-19 directives, in alignment with the Government of Ontario’s announcement yesterday.

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario announces that:

Effective Thursday

• Capacity limits for indoor funeral services are increasing to the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance.
• Capacity limits are removed if the location opts to require proof of vaccination or if the funeral service is held outdoors, such as at a cemetery.
• Pre-scheduling and logging of visitors will no longer be required.
• Food and beverage services may resume.
• Cremation witnessing is no longer limited to five people.
• Staffing requirements may return to regular practice, with no need to segregate into separate teams of employees.
• All time limits on making arrangements with families or storing decedents are removed.
• Masking requirements will remain in place at this time. 

I thank all licensees for adhering to COVID-19 restrictions throughout the pandemic.

-Carey Smith, CEO & Registrar, BAO