CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Funeral homes are considered an essential business. Although they may not run into the action such police or paramedics, Saxet Funeral Home director Noe Lopez appreciates the title “last responder.”
Lopez has worked with the funeral home since 2003. He said it's seen an influx of numbers of services its held since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“We have certain seasons that we see a spike in deaths, but something like this -- nothing that we’ve ever experienced,” he said.
Like many other establishments, both temperature checks and face masks are required.
For those who are in self-quarantine, can’t wear a mask or feel uncomfortable about entering Saxet’s chapel, funeral services also are available online.
“We’re doing the best that we can to ensure that people will have the closure that they much need and deserve,” Lopez said. “It’s not their fault that this is going on and that our world has changed.”
In-person funerals are equipped with a plastic shield-like barrier over the casket during funeral services.
Despite the signs and barriers to encourage social distancing, Lopez said he hopes those mourning can still obtain a sense of normalcy.
“It’s not the same world that it was last year,” he said. “We’re doing everything that we can to make it as normal as possible prior to the coronavirus.”