Funeral Service During COVID-19
According to the announcement from Governor Little and the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare, "funerals are permitted so long as they occur outside and comply with the Social Distancing Requirements (maintaining at least six-foot social distancing from other individuals, washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds a frequently as possible or suing hand sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes [into the sleeve or elbow, not hands], regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, and not shaking hands.)"

Cemetery Service During COVID-19

Cemetery Options During the Pandemic

At Sunset Memorial Park we are committed to helping families honor their loved ones in meaningful ways, while ensuring the safety of family and friends. If you’re unable to hold a funeral for your loved one, or if attendance is limited to immediate family, you do have options that can be explored with your funeral director.

  1. Have a Graveside for 10-15 people. We can stream the live event for the family, this has worked well for others during this time.
  2. Delay the funeral and hold it at a later date. Speak with your funeral director about your options regarding casket burial or cremation if you choose this option.
  3. Have a memorial service at a later date.
  4. Ask your funeral director if they have the ability to webcast the funeral so others can view from home.
Set-Up Restrictions 
The following restrictions will be applied to all graveside service and set-ups done at Sunset Memorial Park at this time.
        1. The funeral home will need to provide Pall Bears to the set up, do to small staff at this time.
        2. A Tent will be provided with only 1 side down.
        3. No Chairs will be provided.
        4. No PA system (We can provide live streaming for the family if requested)

Appointments and Scheduling
During this time Sunset Memorial Park will only be taking arrangements by appointment only. We are always available by the phone and will try to help in anyway we can during these difficult circumstances. We would also request that whenever possible we can do arrangements by phone and we are able to send documents by email. Please understand we are doing our best to keep ourselves healthy for the people that we meet to help them through a difficult time.

If you are able to have a funeral, even if it’s on a smaller scale, note that Sunset Memorial Park will need to follow very specific guidance regarding the number of attendees and social distancing as required by the local, state and/or federal government. While it may be difficult to accept these limitations, know that Sunset Memorial Park is working hard to ensure your safety, the safety of any guests and the safety of the cemetery staff while still providing family and friends with the opportunity to say goodbye. These guidelines may include:

Social Distancing
Social distancing guidelines apply, regardless of the setting or circumstances. As such, seating for a service will be adjusted accordingly so guests are a safe distance from each other. Also, keep in mind that guests will likely be hesitant to hug each other or the family of the deceased. While it’s often our natural instinct to offer condolences through physical interaction, it’s important to be respectful of guests’ decision if they choose not to do so. Remember, it’s for the safety of everyone in attendance.

Gathering Limits
There are limits for the number of people who may gather for an event, based on local, state and/or federal guidelines. In order to follow these guidelines, Sunset Memorial Park may have to limit the number of guests who are at the cemetery at one time. Rest assured, he or she will work to ensure each guest has the opportunity to be at the cemetery to pay their respects; however, this will require patience on behalf of your guests. Speak with your funeral director about gathering limits in your community.
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