**Updated Saturday, February 6, 2021**

Governor Cuomo announced updates to the Guidelines for Religious and Funeral Services.

Effective February 2, 2021, the maximum occupancy for funeral homes is 50% (up from 33%) of the maximum occupancy for a particular area as set by the certificate of occupancy when available.

CLICK TO READ Reopening New York – Guidelines for Religious and Funeral Services

These guidelines apply to all religious and funeral gatherings, including burial and committal services, statewide.

Masks continue to be mandated by New York State and are required to attend funeral services.

DOH Emergency Rule on Masks / As of July 9, 2020 

Funeral Homes MUST Require Face Coverings

Please observe this rule when entering our facility 

Non-compliance puts our business in jeopardy of local and state enforcement of monetary fines and possible loss of licensing.  State leadership encourages community members to report non-conforming businesses.  Consider the implications your actions may have on our business, employees and the family’s wishing to Honor, Remember and Celebrate their loved one.

**FEBRUARY 2, 2021 FUNERAL & MEMORIAL SERVICES ARE LIMITED TO 50% OF A DESIGNATED AREAS CAPACITY** 

• Calling Hours or Visitations are limited to 50% of designated rooms capacity; this change allows Calling Hours or Visitations to have up to 50 people in the gathering space at one time.
  • Socially distant “lines” are able to form inside our facilities within the constraints of social distance definitions. Our staff will direct guests in both direction and socially distant spacing.
• Funeral or Memorial Services held in our Interfaith Chapel are limited to 50% of designated rooms capacity; this change allows Funeral or Memorial Services up to 70 people in the Interfaith Chapel at one time.
• Masks or face-coverings are required during visitations and services
• 6 foot social distancing must be observed
• Outdoor Gatherings – Each outdoor venue may set its own limitations regardless of state mandates. Before any assumption on capacity limits are made ask the funeral home to contact your desired location to confirm their capacity allowances.

Ed and Josh E. Miller and their staff recognize and hear the unhappiness experienced by families wishing to Honor, Remember and Celebrate their loved ones under these restrictions. We remain committed to creating solutions meeting the needs of our families while continuing to honor a social contract to follow the rules and regulations from state and local leadership.

Additionally, we recognize our community’s social isolation fatigue [not visiting loved ones in the hospital or nursing home, not celebrating birthdays publicly, the inability to Honor, Remember and Celebrate loved ones…]. We share this fatigue as individuals and as funeral service professionals limited in our ability to support individuals walking their individualized grief pathway.

We are available by e-mail JoshMiller@Miller1889.com or phone (585) 424-3700 in Rochester and (585) 924-5730 in Victor to discuss questions and concerns for any member of our community.

Sincerely,

Josh E. Miller

President & 5th Generation Owner