McKenzie’s Portage Funeral Chapel has had to scale back their operations.

Owner Jeff Dubois talks about the situation.

“This is a very difficult time for us at McKenzie’s. We want to assist families in caring for their loved ones, and we’ll continue to guide them through these uncertain times. We recognize this is a very crucial step in their grieving process, and we will guide them as things change with the Province and will update them.”

Because of social distancing and isolation, they’ve had to change the way they hold funerals.

“Right now, families can still proceed with burials of cremated remains or body burials. That’s still allowed, but right now, they have to be private family gatherings, and they have to be less than 50 people, as per the guidelines given out by the province of Manitoba. Right now, we’re not allowing public funerals.”

They recommend families hold a private family gathering, and once everything blows over they will have the opportunities to hold public funerals.

“When a family comes in, they want to have a celebration of life or public service in our chapel, church, or hall. Right now, that’s not allowed because it’s really hard to control less than 50 people. Most funerals in Portage will always exceed that 50 people, so right now, we’re not allowing public gatherings.”