I hate to ask but I don’t know…what are they doing with the bodies? I know funerals are shut down and memorials in the future are being publicized. But meanwhile…what is happening with the bodies?
I imagine many families are choosing cremation. I have seen a few local obituaries that indicate a private graveside service has taken place with immediate family. I guess that might be what has to be done if cremation isn’t chosen. But I don’t know for sure …
In Wuhan, some observed that funeral homes were doing cremations constantly around the clock (about four times the normal rate).
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/wuhan-deaths-03272020182846.html
Our local (Illinois) funeral home allows a maximum of 10 people in the building at a time to pay respects at a viewing. My understanding is that the services are being held for immediate family only.
My friend’s father died March 8, and they had his funeral scheduled for the 19th. That was cancelled and the funeral home is now talking about JULY for a funeral. He was cremated and I think July is just fine.
I saw that in NYC they have refrigerated storage for bodies.
When my relative died in 2012, I know they were able to preserve her body from March until we were able to have services in July. We didn’t ask details and at that time there was no extra charge.
If the person dies of something contagious, I suspect the family is requested to have a cremation and then have services when time and circumstances permit.
When my dad picked up my mom’s ashes, he had to call ahead and the funeral director came out and moved everything to his car. No one was allowed inside.
My mother died in a nursing home in CT 6 weeks ago, was transported to the funeral home in Brooklyn, and buried on LI - all within 2.5 days. Family drove from upstate NY and VA to be at the funeral. If she died now, none of that would’ve been possible. I can’t imagine what families are going through
I hope this thread gets closed. It is a perfect example of what we do NOT need for an additional virus thread.
Please join one of the ongoing threads on this topic.