Firtion Adams Funeral Director and Vice President James R. Adams. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS FILE PHOTO)
WESTFIELD – James R. Adams, funeral director and vice president of Firtion Adams Funeral Services at 76 Broad St., said that while they remain open and available for 24-hour funeral directing services to those in need, the coronavirus is temporarily changing the way funerals will be held.
“People are having to do more of a private viewing and service,” Adams, a Westfield City Councilor, said.
A letter to families on Firtion Adams website states: “During these difficult and unprecedented times, we are committed to working with our families to plan meaningful services that fall within the state’s guidelines to limit large public gatherings to 25 people. We also ask for your cooperation to help limit the spread of the virus by refraining from attending funeral/memorial services if you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of COVID-19.”
Adams said the guidelines for gatherings vary; Gov. Charlie Baker said 25, and the President recommended 10. “I’m not sure which I’m supposed to follow,” Adams said, adding that he’s following the governor’s guideline of 25 people, for now.
A wake scheduled for March 18 was private for the family, he said.
Churches have closed for Masses, but Adams said that last he heard as of March 18, he could still go to a church for private services, keeping them to gatherings of 25.
He said they are having to take more precautions at the funeral home, such as using bleach on bathrooms and doorknobs after people come into the building.
Adams said he has not had anyone with coronavirus. “I would probably take my lead from the medical examiner and watch the precautions they take,” he said, adding, “Fortunately, we have not had to deal with it.”
He said if a family member wants to view a body, funeral directors can still prepare it for viewing with certain solutions, but open caskets for the public will cease for a while. A private family service can still go forward with an open casket, he said.
Adams said with limited services, they are looking into having a service recorded. “There are ways to do it,” he said, which they are looking into a little closer. He said he can record a service held at the Funeral Home, but other places would need a mobile unit.
Another change is the practice of kissing and hugging at services. “The purpose of a wake is to pay respects to the family. Hugs are a comfort to them. We’re missing something without that show of affection,” Adams said.
Adams said Firtion Adams is following the guidance and guidelines of the National Funeral Directors Association. ” They’re the ones I’m going by. They’ve seen what has happened in other countries.”
However, Adams said the United States is the country that does the most embalming and open caskets. “We’re the ones that prepare the bodies more than anyone.”
Adams said that the Veterans Cemetery in Agawam has been closed to the public. He said after a wake, he will be the only one going to the cemetery for the burial.
“I’m trying to do things to respect the families’ needs and follow rules, and keep people safe,” Adams said. He said families have understood, and don’t want people to get sick.
“So far, everyone has understood. No one has come in and asked me to bend the rules. I’m grateful for that. I still have to obey the laws,” Adams said, adding, “It’s a learning experience. If it happens again, we’ll be better prepared.”
Firtion Adams is available 24/7 to give people direction, and help meet their needs, “as they always have been,” Adams said.
