03/12/2020
TO ALL THE FAMILIES WE SERVE IN THE COMMUNITY
As the situation with the COVID-19 coronavirus continues to change, we want to let you know that we are putting systems in place to ensure the health and safety of our entire community. While the situation continues to evolve and the final impact remains unknown, we have proactively reviewed our business continuity and response plans and do not anticipate any scenario that would impede our ability to continue to provide the service you have come to expect at Joseph Levine and Son’s. Our staff meets daily to review the most current guidelines from CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and state and local authorities and make proactive adjustments to our plans.
Most importantly, we want you to know that we are always here to help. At Levine's our systems are already set up so that when someone has a loss, or a question regarding a service, they can call and know there will always be someone to answer the phone. We will always have funeral directors available to speak with you. Our team is here to help and serve you, but our interactions may be handled a little differently for a short period of time.
While we believe it is important to avoid panic, we are in an environment where many people come through the funeral home each day. There are also older members of our community - often members of the immediate family - who are at greater risk. Therefore, you will see some precautionary measures being put into place. Going forward, the first change you may see will be us limiting receiving lines to protect the immediate family, as well as the community as a whole. If a chapel/synagogue service is selected, we will adhere to the current state guidelines for mass gatherings limiting a maximum of 250 people to attend the service. We will encourage graveside services whenever possible. While we are always available to meet in person, we will encourage funeral arrangements and pre-arrangements be made over the telephone and through email/fax should a family be concerned with travel.
What you can do:
If you are sick, please stay home. This extends to Chapel, Graveside or Synagogue services as well as Shiva houses. Once permission is given by the family, the funeral service may be viewed online (Trevose location only) with or without a privacy password being issued. Call us if you need instructions to do this. In addition, the community can contact the family through us to express condolences or post a message on our website.
If you have older family members, people in your family who are immunocompromised or people with underlying conditions, please encourage them not to attend funerals or Shiva houses. Take a few minutes to go to their home and help them get set up to view chapel services online.
Limit contact with other funeral attendees, even with family. This includes not shaking hands, not kissing (even on cheeks), and not hugging. Consider elbow bumps or other alternatives in order to greet people.
Practice "social distancing" by sitting further apart at funerals, and not leaning in close to whisper to other people. If you have to cough or sneeze, please cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, dispose of it and wash your hands immediately. A sleeve also works in a pinch. As always, wash your hands carefully and WELL.
Thank you for your cooperation as we take important steps to ensure the safety of our employees, the families we serve and funeral attendees.
Sincerely,
The Levine Family
