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Recommendations against public gatherings have stricken so many businesses around Clark County, but one of the most difficult has been the funeral industry.

At a time when people want to be with each other, they can’t for public safety.

Rolan Taylor, owner of Rolan Taylor Funeral Home in Winchester, said he was planning his first actual funeral  since the coronavirus pandemic took hold.

“We are allowing 10 people,” he said. “We have a service (Wednesday), and we are allowing the husband and nine others. They have an hour of visitation. They are adults, and they know the restrictions.”

There will be a private burial afterward, he said.

Funerals were mentioned in one of Gov. Andy Beshear’s recent press conferences, along with a couple funeral homes planning large funerals anyway.

“We have see virtually all funeral homes come together and tell families something really tough,” Beshear said March 20. “Because of this, we’ve even got to limit even funerals to a small group of people.”

“I know it’s a hard ask… but this is our challenge. We have to do what it takes.”

Taylor said he has been following the recommendations of Beshear and the Kentucky Funeral Directors Burial Association, which include limiting public gatherings and washing hands regularly.

Many families, he said, have opted for cremation in recent weeks.

“The families are electing to have a service at a later date,” he said.

Still, business continues as best it can, he said.

“We’re learning as we go,” Taylor said. “You have to be wise. No hugs… and I’m a hugger. Everyone needs a hug when you’ve lost someone you love.”