Have a question for the Dakotas Conference regarding COVID-19 and your congregations and communities? Email Dakotas Conference Communications, and we'll answer to the best of our abilities. Our COVID-19 response page has the latest resources and updates. Here are some of the latest questions and answers that have been posted.
 

Question: What are guidelines for funeral services?

Answer: Funeral directors across North Dakota and South Dakota are following the guidance from the Center for Disease Control and to only hold gatherings with 10 or less people present. The recommendation is to delay any funeral or gathering until current restrictions are lifted or relaxed.

If a funeral is held at a place of worship, funeral home, burial site, or similar location, the space utilized must allow for social distancing.

Here are some alternative for families to consider:  

· Record the service on video, which could be shared with whomever the family deems appropriate.

· If the immediate family holds a service now, plan a memorial gathering when restrictions are lifted.

· Postpone the service until restrictions are lifted.

· If the family selects immediate disposition, hold a memorial event when restrictions are lifted.