Funeral services may be impacted by pandemic

JASPER, Ga.–Funeral services may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and directors are watching to see how they should handle

services that will simultaneously honor the deceased, support the families, and keep the community safe. At least one funeral homes has made the decision to change how they provide services.

Kevin Roper, owner of Roper Funeral Home in Jasper, said they have plan to limit services according to the latest recommended guidelines to 50. They will have five attendants handling services and allow 45 visitors. Visitation will start two hours before service. The CDC has recommended limiting gatherings to 50 or fewer. They will also only host one service per day.

“It’s been difficult,” he said. “(But) the response has been positive.”

To help families through what is already a stressful time, Roper said they plan to offer live video streaming and are in the process of getting it set up through their website, but may use social media in the meantime. They are also offering public memorials at a later date, once the pandemic subsides.

They also encouraging the community to practice “social distancing” — avoiding handshakes, hugs and other physical contact, which permeate funeral and visitation services.

“We owe our community a sense of responsibility in this time and limiting exposure is important,” said Roper. “Otherwise, we could all be paying in a few weeks.”

He said the concern over COVID-19 adds an extra burden to families grieving the loss of a loved one. “Everyone has been understanding. I’m just asking the community to remember these families and keep them in your prayers until we overcome this,” said Roper.

Pickens currently does not have any cases of COVID-19, according to the Georgia Department of Health.

In Calhoun and Gordon County, Thomas Funeral Home is taking a different approach and letting families decide if they they want to limit services.

“We have guidelines for contagious illnesses,” said Bruce Thomas, owner, adding that anything that is contaminated, but can’t be sanitized is incinerated.

He believes most people will avoid funerals if they aren’t directly related to the deceased which will bring the attendance down.

“That’s what I see happening,” he said. “But if a family is concerned, we can limit it and seat 25 or so the recommended six-feet apart.”

He said he and his son, Bruce, are doing their best to handle any concerns, but based on past experiences with Hepatitis, Swine flu, and MRSR, combined with the experience and education of his staff who already use universal precautions, there won’t be a problem. Currently, Gordon County has three confirmed cases, according to the Georgia Department of Health.

Governor Kemp declares a state of emergency. What does it mean? Read it here.