RANDALLSTOWN, Md — Families, already grieving the loss of a loved one, are finding that their funerals have to be limited because of the social distancing order to stop the spread of COVID-19.
"This week, 10-20 families have been affected and that’s just here," said managing funeral director Brittney Greene.
Vaughn Greene Funeral Services in Randallstown can hold well over 300 people for celebration of life and funeral services, but with Gov. Hogan's executive order, they have to restrict them to only 50 people.
"Which is incredibly difficult to ask someone to celebrate their loved one in such a private way, for someone who may have had an incredibly public impact," said Greene.
Greene said the parlor will continue to be a safe space for families but now that means taking more precautions.
"This is a home for families who are experiencing loss so we don’t want that to stop. We have been ensuring that all the knobs are getting cleaned, that we are using all the products we need to use to keep this place clean and safe," said Greene.
They are also working on alternatives for those who cannot attend, either because of the size limit or because they are more vulnerable to COVID-19.
"We hope to have live-streaming options available within the week so that the families aren’t able to attend, the public that isn’t able to attend, still have the opportunity to participate," said Greene.
She said while there are certainly economic implications for their business, the families they serve are bearing the brunt of it.
"They’re already dealing with the stress and the grief and the loss and to have these limitations placed on their ability to celebrate their loved one has really been devastating," said Greene.
She said even with all they are going through, the families have been very understanding with the need to keep people safe.
"If we can sort of participate in further stopping the spread of this, we will do our part," said Greene.
They are also working to coordinate with cemeteries who have further limited their services to immediate family only and are keeping all their clients updated as situations change.
