The federal government's guidelines on large gatherings and social distancing to stop coronavirus spread are impacting on the funeral industry.
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RJ Sidney Craig funeral director John Crooks says some families are opting for small private services rather than church ones that may breach the regulations.
Under the guideline, public gatherings of more of more than 100 people, and outdoor fixtures involving more than 500 people, should be cancelled. There are some exemptions, including schools, universities, public transport and supermarkets.
The federal Department of Health defines a public gathering as "any function or event attended by a large group of people, such as conferences, music festivals, sporting events, some religious and life celebrations, cultural events, elections and other public occasions."
Mr Crooks said he thought the funeral industry might be exempt, but this wasn't the case.
"We're an essential service that allows people to grieve a loved one's loss," he said.
"We've had families choosing not to have church funerals after hearing the government's warnings and instead having private services so as not to expose the elderly to any risk."
As a result of the changes, the directorship is offering live-streaming and recording as a complementary service to families, enabling those who can't attend inside to bid their farewells.
It is also up to those attending to maintain the recommended 1.5m separation distance, also in accordance with guidelines.
On Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison also announced that "non-essential activities" in venues would be subject to a restriction of one person per every four square metres. Mr Crooks said churches were not exempt from this.
"It will effectively close down all churches," he said.
"I don't understand how you can be sitting next to someone within four metres of you on a bus, but not in a church."
The Canberra/Goulburn Anglican diocese has suspended church services, while the Catholic Archdiocese is implementing protocols for those attending Mass, while abiding by the venue gathering guidelines.
Mr Crooks said his and other funeral directors were liaising with their state and national industry Associations daily in the hope of a breakthrough on this guideline and regarding any future ones that may be imposed.
"We expect further rules, especially if there are more cases and we become like Italy," he said.
"We have to hope that the public and the government support us in what we're trying to do.
"...They're (also) asking us to keep our distance from people but after 32 years in the field in Goulburn, I find it very difficult not to give people a hug when they're grieving."
Nevertheless, Mr Crooks said he and his staff were taking all necessary precautions to stop the spread of coronavirus.
There have been 382 cases of the virus recorded in NSW up until the time of writing, with more than 40,000 people tested.
Four people tested positive after emerging from the Ruby Princess Cruise Ship in Sydney on Thursday. Some 2700 passengers and 1100 crew were on board and NSW Health Minister has urged anyone who develops symptoms to contact authorities for testing.
As of Friday, there were no coronavirus cases in the Southern NSW Local Health District, in which Goulburn sits.
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Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
