Virus, Homicides, Drugs Put Strains on Funeral Homes

The director of the Alabama Board of Funeral Service says businesses across the state have been reaching out for advice on how to handle the large volume of recent deaths due to COVID-19 and other causes. Some funeral businesses report adding extra cremation shifts to handle the extra load.

Hospitalizations have set new highs throughout the month. And Alabama in January watched the total deaths from the pandemic cross 5,000 and then keep climbing to pass 6,000.

Homicides and drug overdoses also surged last year, adding to an unprecedented death toll.

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