The final send-off of loved ones is deeply personal and emotional for bereaved families. Within the Memorial Facilities and Planning Division (Mandai Crematorium) at the National Environment Agency (NEA), Daniel Ong understands the frustrations of bereaved families at funerals and wakes during the pandemic, as they had to abide by Safe Management Measures (SMMs).
“It is natural for family and friends to gather during a period of grief to show care and support for one another,” the Senior Manager says.
“With the SMMs, families have to restrict the number of funeral attendees, which includes the use of after-death facilities such as the Mandai Crematorium’s Service Hall.”
Knowing that most bereaved families engage funeral directors to assist in post-death matters, Daniel and his colleagues disseminated regular circulars to funeral directors to keep them informed of the latest requirements. They also devised plans to allow space for bereaved families to grieve while adhering to the SMMs.