The Crisis Team informed that the national protocols for funerals are based on World Health Organization and RIVM guidelines while still considering the situation, the Aruban traditions, and the different variants of Covid. Therefore we must be cautious about making sure to protect our citizens.
After receiving information about inconsistencies in execution between the different funeral agencies in Aruba, the Crisis Team met up last week with Aurora Funeral Home, Ad Patres, and Olive Tree. It confirmed the protocol and rules applicable at every funeral during this Covid period. Also, the rules to apply in case someone died with Covid. These are the rules that all funeral homes must follow.
Rules applicable at all funerals:
- Must use a mouth mask at all times.
- The deceased may not be taken home to say goodbye
- May not shake hands, give hugs, nor kisses.
- A maximum of 25 people may be in the same room together at the same time and must maintain a 1.5m distance.
- Food and drinks are not permitted
- If you are feeling sick, do not attend the funeral
- Members of the family in isolation or quarantine may not attend the funeral; parents, children, and siblings in isolation or quarantine could schedule another moment to say goodbye.
These rules were in place since September 18, 2020. These rules are applicable for any funeral during Covid, and the person died with or without Covid.
Additional rules incase the deceased died of Covid
When a person dies and they have Covid, there are additional rules:
- The casket may not be open during the funeral.
Because there are different variants in Aruba, the Crisis Team is taking extra measures to assure the safety and protection of the citizens to avoid a spread as much as possible.
All funeral homes approved these procedures, and the Crisis Team will continue evaluating any developments and management regularly and would announce any change when there is one.
