The heartbroken family of a Melbourne woman who committed suicide recently have shared their frustration over Victoria’s strict Covid-19 funeral restrictions following a socially-distanced church service.
Danny Ross took to Facebook on Friday to question why funerals are being limited to no more than 10 people, rather than adhering to the four square metre social distancing rule, adding that his mum’s funeral – which was held in an 800 square metre church – felt “cold and lonely”.
“EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY,” he wrote. “I felt today’s service being inside the church seemed cold and lonely. Whoever decided that only 10 people can attend a funeral in approximately a 800 sqm church needs their heads read.
“Look at that picture and tell me it’s right. There’s my dad sitting on his own without support or a cuddle from his daughters or sons in his time of need. It’s disgusting and needs to be changed. How do we get this changed. The most stupid thing is more than 100 people can shop in a supermarket at any one time.”
He added: “I’m not looking for sympathy I’m asking for change. Please share at will.”
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1689147187908796&set=pcb.1689157977907717&type=3&theater
Danny also revealed that there are still a lot of unanswered questions around his mum’s suicide and thanked people for their support and condolences. He wrote: “Our whole family are devastated that mum took her own life! ( I’m not going to sweep it under the carpet).
“Lots of what if’s and why’s, because we’ll never get the answers we are looking for. Suicide is a taboo subject and that needs to change.”
Many people commented on the post, which has been shared more than 1,200 times over the weekend, with the majority agreeing that more people should have been able to attend the service, given the size of the space.
“So sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing your story. I hope that eventually the blind will open their eyes to see the stupidity and cruelty of what is happening,” one person wrote. Another said: “Just been similar experience although Chapel was small and quite suited the unfortunate circumstances. The masking up and also social distancing at this time where comfort among one another is a must. We too had live streaming for those who could not attend. Something I had never envisaged doing in the past, but a comfort knowing others could be with us.”
Another user commented: “Sorry for your loss and the sad conditions of a funeral in this difficult time.” While another wrote: “Its a disgrace the church you are in is big enough with social distancing laws to hold 150 people.”
If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline — 13 11 14; MensLine Australia — 1300 789 978; BeyondBlue — 1300 224 636; Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467; Headspace — 1800 650 890; Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800