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Restricting funerals and tangi to 10 people at level 2 is “cruel and without compassion,” say funeral directors.
Commenting on the government’s announcement to move to Level 2, the Association of Funeral Directors President Gary Taylor said it was a “ruthless blow to the thousands of New Zealand families who have lost loved ones and that it is not justifiable “
During the Level 4 blockade, no funerals or tangi could be held. Under levels 2 and 3, services have a maximum of 10 attendees.
“We know that thousands of families have been unable to hold a significant funeral as part of their grieving process, which has spanned another two weeks today, and we know how much these families are suffering,” said Taylor.
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Taylor and David Moger, executive director of the Association of Funeral Directors, spoke to the Epidemic Response Committee last week.
Moger shared the account of an 18-year-old boy who had killed himself in Level 4.
The last sight his parents had of him was in the mud of his backyard and not in the peaceful state of being able to see later and say a significant goodbye, Moger said.
Fake images
While New Zealand was at closure level 4, no funerals could be performed (file photo).
“That was cruel and harsh and today’s announcement is another cruel and ruthless kick for all the families who have been waiting until Level 2 to celebrate a significant farewell,” said Taylor.
There was no justification for the decision, he said.
“We know how much anguish and sadness this cruel and harsh decision will cause tens of thousands of New Zealanders because we see it every day and have done so since the alert level system was launched.”
The association was led to believe that Level 2 would allow funerals of up to 100 and had already worked with its members with advice and guidance on how to handle them safely, Taylor said.
“How can it somehow be allowing multiple groups of up to 10 in a restaurant for a social meal but no more than 10 in total to fire a deceased mom, dad, aunt, grandfather or young child?”
The government planned to review the decision on a limit of 10 people in two weeks.
In a Facebook Live message, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she knew the limit would be difficult for people.
“One of the things we have seen abroad is that there have been outbreaks at funerals. They are events where they want me physically close to each other.”
At 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, most of Level 2 will be enacted.
Much of the economy would reopen, including restaurants, shopping malls, cinemas, shops, health services, and hair salons. People will be able to socialize with others and travel around the country, as well as practice team sports.
While gatherings would be allowed, they would be limited to 10 people, including for weddings or funerals.
