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Coronavirus pandemic brings uncharted territory for funeral homes

Posted at 9:24 PM, Mar 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-21 18:13:32-04

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Each day of the coronavirus pandemic brings new numbers for the infected and the dead.

In light of the COVID-19 crisis, ministers and loved ones have decided it's not a good idea to hold end of life services at this time.

Rocky Bevis, president of Bevis Funeral Home in Tallahassee, says he's seen cancellations and postponements come in for those ceremonies within the last 24-hours.

On Wednesday, they put a furlough policy in place for their employees.

"The CDC, on Sunday, gave us our marching orders," Bevis said. "We're really in uncharted territory. But, when the CDC suggested that we not gather in crowds of more than 50, that's a lot of funerals."

Bevis adds they will offer patrons the option of live streaming funerals while they work to determine the best long-term strategies.

Bevis said they've been advised to take universal precautions when dealing with someone who died from the virus. Those precautions are similar to those implemented when HIV was prevalent.