Kentucky funeral homes face changes to keep public safe from coronavirus

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Paying one’s last respect is something considered peaceful and, in some ways, comforting. But with new cases of a deadly virus being discovered every day, even that final act has changed.

Kevin Kirby of J.C. Kirby and Sons Funeral Chapel says his funeral home has changed nearly every aspect of how they do their job…from limiting the number of people who can attend a service to not allowing food to be brought in for sharing, normally a symbol of comfort in a funeral home.

Wednesday afternoon, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear limited the number of attendees of funerals and memorial services to only “closest of family” and graveside services to “private burial” services. The Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky believes if funeral homes in the state do not comply with the Governor’s wishes, Beshear could ban funeral services and memorials altogether for the time being.