WALPOLE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The regulations and response to the spread of COVID-19 are affecting all areas of life, and even beyond.
Jim Delaney of James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home in Walpole told WBZ NewsRadio's Suzanne Sausville that wakes and funerals are still taking place, but they're happening on a limited scale.
"We are definitely a profession that can not close down," Delaney said.
All services offered are private for now, and only 25 people are allowed at a time.
"It's going to be 25 people in, and then 25 people out, and then we're going to have another 25 people in," Delaney said.
He said most families have been understanding of the situation.
"There are other people who are very upset by the whole thing, and to be honest with you, I get it, I understand," Delaney said. "It is a very difficult time, it's trying ... it's very difficult to lose somebody at any time, but when there are sanctions put on that we can't do the traditional services that people have seen in the past and we have to adapt to these new services, people can get upset."
Once the coronavirus pandemic is over, Delaney said he can offer people larger memorial services to honor their departed loved ones—just, without a casket.
In the meantime, he's also looking into providing the option of memorial services, so people can attend funerals from home via their computers.
WBZ NewsRadio's Suzanne Sausville (@wbzSausville) reports
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