Thom’s Funeral Home Policy Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)

With the rapidly escalating concerns about the COVID-19 virus Thom’s Funeral Home is committed to being vigilant on how we are responding.
 
The Alberta government has declared a State of Emergency under the Public Health Act in our province. New public health measures are now recommended to limit the time Albertans spend in large crowds and crowded spaces. Effective March 17, 2020, Mass gatherings are now limited to no more than 50 attendees. This includes: conferences, worship gatherings and family events such as weddings and funerals.
 
As a funeral home who care about our co-workers and the families that we serve, we want to do what we can to protect and care for the health of everyone and to cooperate with our government and health professionals to stop the spread of this virus.
 
We are taking serious precautions and making significant changes to how we will serve our families during these uncertain times. The emphasis will be on lowering the numbers of people in our buildings for arrangements, visitations and services in order to minimize the potential spread of the virus.
Effective immediately, we will be implementing the following:
 
    Offering online, telephone and video arrangements to all of our families to limit the number of people in our building. For families who still require a face to face meeting with a funeral director, we will practice social distancing in our arrangement office and limit the number of people to two family members and the funeral director.
    Implementing social distancing in our chapel / visitation room by having additional spacing between the chairs in our chapel limiting gatherings in our chapel to 20 people.
    Suggest that during this time period, services should be held for immediate family and closest friends only, with the option to videotape and upload the service link to our website for friends to watch from home
 
WE ARE KEEPING OUR FACILITIES SANITARY, INCLUDING:
 
    Disinfecting arrangement office tables, pens, and any surfaces that may be touched immediately after the arrangement conference is completed. Increased disinfection of the building including handrails, door handles, counters etc.
    Placing signage at front door and in restrooms on best hygiene practices.
    Providing hand sanitizer stations at front door and by chapel entrance
 
PLEASE PROTECT YOURSELF AND HELP PROTECT OTHERS BY:
 
    Using good hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds
    Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
    Resisting touching your face, nose, eyes or mouth.
    Avoiding close contact with people. Health officials advise keeping a social distance of at least 1-2 meters--as coronavirus can spread through water droplets from mouth and nose. During this period, avoid hugs, handshaking and other kinds of touching and don't be offended by those who avoid shaking your hand or giving you a hug.
    Having some wipes with you to clean surfaces you will touch or to clean your hands after touching certain surfaces.
    Coughing and sneezing into the bend of your elbow.
    Stay home and do not come in to work or into the funeral home if you, your significant other or your children are feeling sick, have a runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever etc.
    Monitoring your health and contacting your primary health provider or 811 Health Link or using their online assessment tool if you have questions or concerns about your health