MAY 2020 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 37
SHIFT IN SERVICES CORONAVIRUS DISRUPTS TRADITIONAL GOODBYES
WHAT’S INSIDE
END OF LIFE
DECISIONS
40 FUNERAL
41
PREPLANNING COPING WITH DEATH
BY TIMOTHY BOLGER
Coronavirus not only drastically disrupted life on Long Island, the pandemic also
ushered in dramatic changes to how people say their final goodbyes to loved ones,
as many funeral homes are overwhelmed.
Whether the arrangements are for someone who died of COVID-19 or something
else, there are a host of new rules in effect. Many of the changes make it difficult
to practice traditional funeral ceremonies, but the guidelines are part of socialdistancing
mandates intended to prevent the disease from spreading further and
taking more lives.
“While we all may want to celebrate our loved ones’ lives and memorialize them,
at this time, we must continue to practice social distancing and limit large public
gatherings, including at funeral services,” New York Attorney General Letitia James
said.
Here’s what you need to know about the changes to the funeral process before
making final arrangements for your loved one.
continued on page 38
Long Island funeral homes have some temporary rules in effect due to the pandemic. (Getty Images)
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
