*** UPDATED APRIL 12, 2022 ***
We continue to follow all available guidance from the CDC and the NJ Health Department. At this time masks are no longer required inside the funeral home, but are still encouraged and available for those that would like to wear one.
As always, should you feel sick or you are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID; if you know you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID; or if you are awaiting test results; please stay home. If you wish, you can send your condolences through our website if you are unable or unwilling to attend.
** UPDATED AUGUST 3, 2021 ***
With significantly increasing cases of COVID-19 and the continued spread of the Delta variant in mind we will be following the guidance from the CDC and the State of New Jersey Health Department and are asking that ALL visitors - whether vaccinated or not - please wear a face mask while inside the funeral home.
We take the threat posed by COVID seriously and we ask you all to respect each other and ensure the health and safety of your friends and family as we continue to navigate this unprecedented time.
As always, should you feel sick or you are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID; if you know you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID; or if you are awaiting test results; please stay home. If you wish, you can send your condolences through our website if you are unable or unwilling to attend.
*** UPDATED MAY 17, 2021 ***
In accordance with NJ State Executive Order No. 239, which is still in effect, ALL PERSONS THAT ENTER THIS OR ANY OTHER PUBLIC PREMISES MUST CONTINUE TO WEAR FACE COVERINGS WHILE INDOORS.
We understand what the CDC has recently said, but we must continue to follow guidelines as mandated by NJ State Law.
This is not in our hands at the moment and we ask everyone’s patience and cooperation until the mask mandate in NJ is lifted.
However, Executive Order No. 239 also significantly eased the restriction on the number of people that can gather for a funeral service in our funeral home. We just ask that all that attend continue to maintain the 6 foot social distancing directrive and continue to wear a mask indoors to protect those in our community that may not have been vaccinated yet.
*** UPDATED APRIL 12, 2021 ***
The Federal Emergency Management Agency bagan taking applications for COVID-19 funeral assistance on April 12, 2021.
Under the program, those who incurred funeral expenses for someone who died of COVID-19 or coronavirus-related causes can apply for up to $9,000 in reimbursement towards those expenses. Funeral assistance is only available to those who incur certain funeral expenses, according to FEMA, and funeral directors cannot directly apply for reimbursement of expenses.
Applicants must register by calling 844.684.6333 (TTY: 800.462.7585) Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Central Time.
FEMA will accept only one application per COVID-19-related death. If multiple people paid a funeral bill, they would need to submit one application under one name, outlining their expenses.
For more information on this program, please go to: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance
While we cannot directly apply for this reimbursement on your behalf, please be assured that the staff here at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home is here to help and will guide you through the process as best we can.
*** UPDATED SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 ***
Currently we are happy to allow public visitations in our building again, provided all the provisions of Governor Murphy's most recent Executive Order No. 183 are followed. As such, we will be able to allow 25% of the funeral home's capacity, or about 50 people, at any one time. Please keep this in mind and make an effort to limit your time in the funeral home so others may have an opportunity to extend their condolences to the family and say farewell to a loved one.
At all times the wearing of a face mask/covering will be required and all visitors are asked to maintain the social distancing rule of keeping 6 feet apart from one another. Please keep in mind that these rules are in place to protect the most vulnerable members of our community, so we ask you to bear with us and help us to keep on the road to recovery.
As always, we are here to help in any way and will continue to offer the best services that we can given the circumstances we all face. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.
*** UPDATED JUNE 12, 2020 ***
When Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 152 on June 10th the State of New Jersey has begun to ease some of the restrictions that have been in place for the last 2 and a half months. Indoor gatherings are now allowed with groups of 50 people or 25% of the capacity of the room, whichever is less. As such, we will begin allowing small visitation periods for our families. Please keep in mind that these will still NOT be 'public visitations' but rather, an opportunity for extended families to come together and say farewell to a loved one.
At all times the wearing of a face mask/covering will be required and all visitors are asked to maintain the social distancing rule of keeping 6 feet apart from one another. Please keep in mind that these rules are in place to protect the most vulnerable members of our community, so we ask you to bear with us and help us to keep on the road to recovery.
***** UPDATED March 21, 2020 *****
Please note that in accordance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Order signed this afternoon, all public funeral gatherings, viewings or ceremonies should not be conducted in any funeral home, place of worship, cemetery or crematory until further notice.
As a result of the executive order, and in the best interest of public safety and health, we will not be allowing anyone into the funeral home without an appointment. We are limited to immediate burials or cremations with only immediate family in attendance. In Governor Murphy’s own words: “It pains me that important life moments will not be celebrated in the way we are accustomed to.”
We here at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home agree with Governor Murphy’s sentiment, as well as his order in trying to protect the public. This is an unprecedented time, and calls for drastic action to get through it, which we can and will do together.
As always, we are available to answer any question you may have and will still be here to guide you through these most difficult times to the best of our ability.
***** MARCH 17, 2020 *****
As recent events have unfolded, we have struggled to balance our dedication to providing meaningful and compassionate services for the families and loved ones of those who have passed away and our unavoidable place in the environment within which diseases like this one may be easily spread. The protection of our community is very important to us.
It is with that in mind, and understanding the recommendations and rules from the Federal, State, and Local governments, that we will be limiting public gathering in our funeral home to groups of 10 or less. Everyone has been urged to refrain from going out in public for non-essential activities to try to limit the spread of COVID-19, regardless of whether symptoms are present or not.
While we will do everything we can to create a meaningful remembrance service for your loved ones, we ask everyone to refrain from public invitations to services and be considerate of the reality and uncertainty in the world today. If you do need to come to the funeral home for any reason, please call beforehand and we will be sure to guide you through this difficult time.
Again, we do ask that ANYONE who feels sick or may have been exposed to COVID-19 to please stay home and work on recovery. If you would like to reach the family of a deceased we have a condolence form on our website that you can fill out and we will be sure the family you wish to visit receives the note.
If you do have to come to the funeral home, or go anywhere in public, please remember the CDC’s guidance on how to avoid getting yourself, or others, infected:
- WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN – wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- AVOID CLOSE CONTACT – put distance between yourself and other people. Please avoid handshakes, hugging and kissing, and any other close contact with people in the funeral home.
- STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK OR HAVE BEEN EXPOSED – this is very important for controlling the spread of this disease, especially to any high risk individuals.
- COVER YOUR COUGHS AND SNEEZES – cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Then throw away the tissue and wash your hands immediately.
Above all, please take care of yourselves and your families. Stay safe.
Respectfully yours,
EVAN F. PFLEGER
Manager – NJ Lic. No. 4717