August 7, 2020
Like most small businesses in the country, we’re actively discussing and taking precautions for COVID-19 (aka the Coronavirus). As your well-being is always a top consideration at Cremation Society of SC – Westville Funerals, we thought it was a good idea to share with you how our business aims to keep you and yours safe.
Online Arrangements
While our staff is diligent about cleaning public areas and offering hand sanitizer throughout our facilities, we are also able to make all cremation arrangements ONLINE if people prefer not to visit our offices. The online arranger enables you to complete the entire process from your home. If you have questions during the process, we are only a phone call, email, or live chat away. We are the only funeral home in the area with a complete online arrangement system; we care about our community and we would appreciate it if you would use this tool rather than leave your home.
Every day, outside of these exceptional circumstances, we serve families who wish to pre-arrange because it is a prudent task to complete to save your family indecision and financial hardship. For families seeking to complete this task as a normal step in their estate planning efforts, please use the above link to our online arranger. You will be given an option to pre-plan as you follow the prompts.
Live Streaming of Services
We are equipped to live-stream services at our main location at 6010 White Horse Road, Greenville, South Carolina 29611. This allows families to host a smaller in-person gathering and have extended family, friends and colleagues participate, while also following the current guidelines for “social distancing.” Our streaming ability creates a sense of unity for the service, since people both near and far can be a part of it.
The live-streaming service is an option for those with family members and friends who want to take part in a service, but do not feel comfortable traveling far distances or even leaving their homes while the Coronavirus affects the country. For the foreseeable future, our live-streaming services will be free of charge to accommodate our customers during these uncertain times.
Your Questions Answered
The Coronavirus spread brings lots of questions—some related to funeral and cremation services, as well as those who succumb to the virus. Here are the answers to some of the top questions we’ve heard:
Is It Safe To Attend a Funeral of Someone Who Died With The Virus?
The short answer is yes. According to the CDC, “There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of COVID-19.” However, “People should consider not touching the body of someone who has died of COVID-19.”
For now, public gatherings the size of a visitation or funeral and cremation service are not canceled, but we will follow the recommendations or requirements of local authorities as the situation continues. The CDC, however, has suggested limiting any gatherings to 10 persons.
Can Someone Who Dies With The Virus Be Buried or Cremated?
Yes, someone who dies carrying the Coronavirus can still be cremated or buried as per the family’s wishes, but the CDC recommends funeral homes check “for any additional state and local requirements that may dictate the handling and disposition of the remains of individuals who have died of certain infectious diseases.”
Precautions Being Taken at The Cremation Society of South Carolina - Westville Funeral Home
While we are not on the front lines like health care workers, we must be able to maintain adequate staffing levels so we can continue to care for the deceased. To help prevent infection with Coronavirus and other illnesses, our staff has been educated and is taking the recommended precautions including the following:
• All visitors and staff receive temperature screening upon entry.
• All visitors and staff are required to wear a mask.
• All visitors and staff will be required to answer a brief health questionnaire.
• Avoiding close contact, or practicing “social distancing” (touching or shaking hands) with people.
• Avoiding touching mouth, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands.
• Staying home when sick.
• Getting adequate sleep and eating well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
With things evolving daily, we are trying to stay on top of the COVID-19 Pandemic and keep our staff and visitors safe. Our dedicated team and the families we serve are our top priorities.
We are currently monitoring the situation and working to develop additional policies as the situation progresses. Our team is ready to go over our precautions with you and answer any questions you have. You may reply to this email or call one of our directors at 864-269-5073.
Our Caring Funeral Directors & Staff
Cremation Society of SC – Westville Funerals
6010 White Horse Road Greenville, SC 29611 V 864-269-5073 F 864-269-5075