Funeral homes adapt to COVID-19 restrictions

The coronavirus pandemic forced the closing of businesses throughout the state of Kentucky nearly two months ago. Those who weren’t forced to close had to come up with new ways to conduct business. Funeral homes were no exception.

Pandemic or not, death still occurs and families still have a need to mourn the loss of a loved one. With the restrictions put in place, funeral homes were forced to find ways to still help families grieve while abiding by guidelines put in place because of the virus.

On March 24, Gov. Andy Beshear issued an order for all funeral services to be limited to “close family” and private burials with each not to exceed 10 individuals making them subject to restrictions on mass gatherings and appropriate social distancing. The funeral directors association advised funeral homes in the Commonwealth the next day to adhere to the executive order set forth by the governor as well as the CDC guidelines.

Local funeral homes, like other facilities, are adhering to the state’s and CDC orders and recreating entirely new ways to conduct funerals.

“We have just tried to come up with ideas to help families in any way to get closure,” said Lauren Danks Allen with William L. Danks Funeral Home.

Funeral homes have been utilizing Facebook Live and other streaming services when requested by the family in order to provide a way for others to view funeral services of friends and loved ones. Drive-through services are another option available for the families.

“It is a very difficult time, especially for a family with more than 10,” said Dean Minton, of Miller-Schapmire Funeral Home.

“People have been very cooperative and understanding through it all.”

Minton said Miller-Schapmire live streams the services and can even utilize drones at graveside services.

Larry Bevil, of Bevil Brothers Funeral home, said that the situaiton has been difficult on grieving families as a funeral service is a “one time deal” but there are families who are choosing to have private graveside services and are planning a public memorial service for their loved one at a later date.

Allen said Danks Funeral Home has conducted several drive-through services. She said a tent is set up where cars can drive by and pay their respects to the 10 family members allowed at the service. Visitors can roll down their windows, but are asked not to exit their vehicle.

“We are taking every precaution to accomodate the families regarding their wishes to honor their loved one within the restrictions,” Allen said.

Along with limiting services to close family of less than 10 people. Funeral homes also closed their lounge areas and restricted food/beverages from begin brought in and provide hand sanitizer among other precautions.

Online guests books are available for those wishing to offer the condolences as well.

Beginning May 20, during the Phase 1 reopening plan, funeral homes across the state can begin lifting some restricitons. Among the new guidelines, funeral and memorial services providers conducting in-person services can limit attendance to no more than 33% of the building occupancy capacity while maintaining social distance of six feet between household units. Mask are also encouraged by officiants, funeral home staff and attendees and funeral homes should limit congregational singing during services as it may areosolize infectious particles.

Allen said under those guidelines, their chapel would seat approximately 50 people, however graveside services may allow for more people as long as they are able to maintain the social distancing requirements.