With the recent concerns of the COVID-19 virus, we want to remind everyone that public health and sanitation is one of the basic foundations of funeral service and, as such, we must be proactive anytime there is even a hint of danger to the public welfare.

As you are aware, we all find ourselves in extraordinary circumstances, coming together to ensure the health and safety our families, neighbors, and communities as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate.

In response to public health concerns regarding the number of people in social gatherings, direction is included in Executive Order No. 17 issued on Sunday, March 22, 2020 by Governor Bill Lee. To limit the spread of COVID-19 so that normal life and activities may resume as soon as possible, the Governor has ordered that persons in the State of Tennessee shall not participate in social gatherings of ten (10) or more people. Those social gatherings include but are not limited to visitations, funerals, or other memorial events and burial of deceased humans (whether held at a funeral establishment, church, cemetery or other facility). Executive Order No. 17 shall be effective and enforceable and shall remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Central Daylight Time, on April 6, 2020, at which time the suspension of any state laws and rules and other provisions of this Order shall cease and be of no further force or effect.

During this uncertain time we want to continue offering the opportunity to celebrate life. Our mission is to offer families comfort in their time of loss, and provide a platform to honor and celebrate the life of their loved one. This will continue, but we will be vigilant during this unique time. 

When our staff serves your family we will be emphasizing these guidelines:

• We will emphasize to our families how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as by staying home if you are sick, washing your hands, and covering coughs and sneezes.
• We will continue to practice the same safe hygiene and sanitary procedures in our funeral home that we always have practiced.
• We will also present different ways to express comfort and love and will try and forego the traditional shaking of hands and hugging.

Despite the concerns associated with COVID-19, we have alternatives we can share with our families that will allow them to celebrate the life of their loved one in ways that promote the safety of all involved. 

Sincerely,

The Staff of Smith-Reagan