Covid-19 Update

Latest Updates from covid19.govt.nz

Funerals, tangihanga, burials and viewing of tūpāpaku (the person who has died) can go ahead at Orange.

• There is no limit for indoor or outdoor gatherings.
• You do not need to wear a face mask at a gathering, but it is encouraged.
• Workers and volunteers at gatherings must wear face masks — unless they are exempt.

Support is available

Losing a friend or loved one can be an extremely difficult and challenging time. This may be even more difficult if you have experienced bereavement and grief during COVID-19. In higher settings of the traffic light system, we may need to adapt traditions and adopt new ways of farewelling our loved ones.

If you ever feel you are not coping, it is important to talk with a health professional.

If you need to talk, you can call or text 1737. It is free, anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to talk with a trained counsellor.

Face masks

Workers at funerals and tangihanga must wear face masks.

Providing last rites

Priests, imam and religious celebrants can provide last rites in a hospital, hospice or private residence. If the person they are visiting who is dying is in a health facility, they legally must follow the:

• visiting rules of the health facility, and
• all relevant infection prevention and control procedures.

If your family member had COVID-19

There is currently no known risk from being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with someone who has died of COVID-19.

The World Health Organization advises that friends and whānau may view the body after it has been prepared for burial. You should:

• not kiss or touch the body
• wash your hands thoroughly after the viewing.

Our Health and Safety Plan Summary

We have ensured that:

• We have clear COVID-19 signage throughout our facilities
• We provide adequate hand-washing supplies
• We provide adequate supplies of hand sanitizer, tissues and bins for disposal
• We advise people to stay away if they are unwell

We respectfully ask you to:

• Wear a mask if you want (these are not compulsory, but are encouraged)
• Practice good personal hygiene – please use the provided hand sanitizer and tissues
• Follow the appropriate Traffic Light setting rules
• Please do not attend if you feel unwell