Dear Gardens Family and Friends,
The health and safety of our families is a top priority.
We are taking recommended precautions to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus in accordance with protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and the local Department of Public Health.
Please note the following:
However, if you are feeling sick with a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, see your primary care physician and please do not visit the cemetery.
Services and Ceremonies will continue. We recommend that only immediate family attend and no more than 10 people are allowed to gather at one time. If someone is coughing excessively or displaying symptoms of any type of illness, they may be asked to return to their vehicle.
Pictures and video are encouraged for sharing with loved ones who could not attend.
Social distancing
–
We will be limiting the number of chairs at each service. If there will be more than four people who need to sit for the duration of the service we can provide more chairs if we are given adequate notice. At this time of year, we will still be providing heated tents at every farewell service. We will take individual requests for comfort and convenience- our decisions will be made on the health and safety of all attendees.
The Welcome Center
and Family Room are closed in order to protect our staff and families.
If you are making arrangements for an At Need service please call to make an appointment. We will conduct business outside with a clipboard and disposable pens. We will temporarily be verifying resting places using Cemetery360 or pictures and emails.
We will not be driving families in our cars onto the cemetery grounds; instead they may follow in their vehicles.
Please note that our usual hospitality of coffee and pastry, the use of the family room for gatherings, and our restrooms will
not
be available until further notice.
Sending Flowers: If you send flowers to the office they will be placed at your loved one’s resting place at no cost to you.
The Chapel is now closed. If you would like us to light a candle for a family member, whether in the chapel or at their resting place call us and we will light it for you.
Visitors are encouraged to use our online services visit
www.thegardenscemetery.org
to find loved ones, get turn by turn directions to their location, and find general information.
Conversation over the phone is encouraged if you need someone to talk to about a recent loss. Whenever you need us, The Gardens is here to help. (617) 325-0186.
Easter Sunrise Service on April 12th has been canceled. We will be providing fresh palms outside the welcome center on a table for our families from March 28
th until Easter. The status of other Special Events will be communicated at a later date.
What can you do to help protect yourself and others?
·
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
·
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
·
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or cough or sneeze into your elbow if necessary.
·
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
·
Practice proper social distancing by staying at least 6 feet apart from other people.
·
The Gardens staff will discontinue their practice of hugging and instead offer a friendly wave.
·
Do not pat or touch unknown dogs or cats. They may carry the virus on their fur.
The Gardens Cemetery is committed to the health and wellness of all and we hope you and your family stay safe. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us at (617) 325-0186.
We have developed and implemented a pandemic protocol with the staff in order to help keep everyone safe during this time.
Caring Forever,
