COVID-19 Response

 

As a cornerstone in this community, and as leaders during times of tragedy and uncertainty, let us assure you that your family’s health and safety is our number one priority. Many of you have reached out asking how Cypress Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park is handling COVID-19.

As a funeral home, our facility is considered to be an “essential service,” meaning our staff is still able to conduct funeral, cremation, and burial services at this time. We are closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 outbreak and following CDC, state, and local health guidelines for funeral homes.

Download Safety Guide

FEMA Assistance

To Our First Responders: We Stand With You

 

Here’s what you need to know:

  • We are remaining diligent in our response to ensure the well-being of our staff, the families we serve, and the greater San Francisco and Bay Area communities. At this point, we are able to accommodate some outdoor services through our network of Cypress Lawn locations — but please contact us for details, as regulations are constantly changing.
  • We have hand sanitizer, tissues, and hand soap available throughout our funeral home.
  • If your family needs to meet with our staff, we encourage you to schedule a meeting via phone call. Currently, we are limiting in-person arrangement meetings to only two people but additional participants are invited to join via phone call.
  • It is natural to show you care by shaking hands, hugging, and gathering close together. We are reminding everyone to limit personal contact and give the appropriate distance to others.
  • We are diligently cleaning all high-touch surfaces, including all door handles, faucets, countertops, toilets, and water fountains.
  • If you are feeling sick, please stay home, keeping in mind there will be opportunities in the future to visit with loved ones and express condolences.
  • We are trained, educated, and responsible when handling those who have died. Let us assure you that we are providing the same dignified and exceptional care we are known for – now and in the days ahead.
  • As part of a recent ordinance passed by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, individuals who do not wear face coverings are now subject to citations and fines. Any commercial entities within the county that do not follow the guidelines are also at risk for receiving citations. We are sharing this information to let you that we are required by law to have all guests and staff wear face coverings while inside buildings on our property.

 

FEMA Assistance During COVID

Starting on April 12, 2021, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will begin accepting applications from families for financial assistance related to COVID-19 funeral expenses.

FEMA will offer reimbursements of up to $9,000 per person for expenses related to funerals, interment, or cremation. All expenses must have occurred after January 20, 2020.

FEMA has set up a telephone hotline to accept applications: 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The hotline will receive calls between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT on Monday through Friday.

As per FEMA’s policy, funeral homes are not allowed to apply on the behalf of families. Our staff at Cypress Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park — and at all of our affiliates across the Bay Area — are ready and willing to offer support to families with this process, but all claims must be filed by families with FEMA.

To be eligible for funeral assistance, the applicant must meet these conditions:

  • The death must have occurred in the U.S., including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
  • The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
  • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020. There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

According to FEMA, reimbursement is not available for funerals that were paid through preneed trusts, preneed funeral insurance, irrevocable trusts for Medicare, GoFundMe, or any other agencies or donations.

FEMA has set up a page with resources and additional information for families. Click here for more information.

Learn More

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this unprecedented time. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we will support one another, showing yet again the strength and resolve of our wonderful community.