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03/30/2020

MFDA Recommends Limiting Funeral Events to Ten People or Less

With Michigan's death toll from the COVID-19 outbreak currently at 132 (21 yesterday alone) and escalating, and in keeping with the President's extension of federal guidelines, MFDA is strongly recommending that members limit any funeral gathering or memorial event to ten people or less in one room at a single time.  The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed 5,486 cases as of today--a number doubling every three days.  Last evening, President Trump's coronavirus task force recommended extending its earlier "15 days to slow the spread" recommendations until the end of April. Those guidelines recommend avoiding social gatherings in groups of more than ten people. The Task Force's recommendations can be accessed here.   It is unlikely at this stage that the Governor or state health officials will provide any further clarification or guidance to her E.O. 2020-21 "stay-at-home" Order. Nonetheless, MFDA believes that the evolving circumstances--particularly in Southeast Michigan warrant funeral directors heeding the federal guideline.

As a reminder, social distancing should be practiced regardless of the number of attendees. Furthermore, the following should be asked to refrain from attending either the arrangements conference or any services:

  • A person who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is under investigation for COVID-19
  • Anyone who has been in proximity with an individual who has tested positive 
  • Anyone with a fever or exhibiting cold and/or flu symptoms
  • Anyone who has recently traveled internationally

In addition, MFDA has provided members with webcasting resources which can be accessed by clicking here.

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