New Albany’s United Funeral Service shuts down due to COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has closed United Funeral Service, for many decades Union County’s leading provider of funeral services, for the first time ever.

Rodney Shands, president of United Funeral Services, Inc., made the announcement, Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 15.

Shands said all employees of United are either infected with COVID-19 or are under quarantine because they have been in contact with employees who have tested positive.

Shands said United Funeral Services will be open again Christmas Day, at the earliest.

“We regret this interruption in our long service to the people of Union County,” he said. “It is unprecedented. Not even in the flu epidemic of 1918, was it necessary for us to temporarily suspend our services.

“This is another proof that the pandemic is extremely serious. We urge all of our friends to follow guidance to avoid infection including social distancing and wearing masks.”

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