COVID-19 pandemic creating massive backlog for local funeral homes, cemeteries

ALLEGHENY CO., Pa. — One of the hardest parts about the COVID-19 pandemic has been saying goodbye to loved ones.

And many want to wait, so they can do it properly. That has caused a major backlog at funeral homes and cemeteries.

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A local funeral director said Allegheny County has more funeral homes than 28 separate states, but he said across the region, likely 300 to 500 families, are waiting to hold funeral services.

“With the COVID-19 going on right now, it’s been rough. It’s been a struggle. Families have postponed things or waiting until this all settles down,” said John Paul Lester, president of the Allegheny County Funeral Directors’ Association.

Right now, under CDC guidelines, funeral visitation and mass are limited to 10 people — mainly immediate family.

And depending on the cemetery, Lester said some families are having to watch the burial of a loved one from inside their cars.

That's why many families are postponing services. Once restrictions are lifted, more people can attend.

It's a long waiting list, but Lester told Channel 11 they are doing their best to accommodate each family.

Funeral homes are also coordinating with churches and cemeteries, as most of southwestern Pa. enters the yellow phase – which allows groups of 25 people to gather.

Families who want to have more than 25 people will have to wait for the green phase, and that could be a long way off.

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