Social distancing measures have impacted the way people grieve and celebrate the lives of those recently lost.

Honan Funeral Home Director Dan Honan said in a recent phone interview that the local funeral home, as always, is there for those who need them.

“We’re always there. No matter what the reason,” he said.

The funeral home’s website, honanfh.com, has a timely message on its landing page that reads, “The health and well-being of our employees and families is always our first priority. We are currently taking extra precautions over the coming weeks and months to make sure that our funeral home remains guarded against the spread of viral infections.”

Honan said people have asked him whether the funeral home is taking special precautions now, and it is. The profession has always had universal precautions, he shared, and those practices still apply now.

The funeral home’s staff are wearing masks, and people who have visited the Main Street building have also worn masks. The staff is available to speak on the phone. While the funeral home has not been asked to oversee a virtual funeral service yet, Honan mentioned it was something on his radar.

Since the spread of COVID-19, Honan said the funeral home has had, “in the neighborhood of ten COVID cases.”

Of the funeral services it has provided since the virus began its worldwide spread, Honan said some people have had family viewings; for burial services at cemeteries, the funeral home has overseen people being separated by the appropriate distance and limiting the gathering to no more than ten people.

Memorial services for those lost to COVID-19 will be held “after this is all over,” Honan said.

The funeral home’s website provides guidance for grief and for planning a funeral. For people who may need extra support through the process in the aftermath of COVID-19, Honan said, “There are plenty of resources in the town. We can send people in the right direction if we really see a need.”

For anyone in need of guidance, Honan said his funeral home can help if contacted.

He also recommended that, “If someone has a death that is imminent, it’s always best to pre-plan or let your wishes be known to other people, so families aren’t scrambling or guessing.”

For more information about Honan Funeral Home and its services see its website honanfh.com.