Tia Humphries
Topic: How Funeral Homes are implementing social distancing and rising death rate.
Title: It’s Hard to say Goodbye
Background Info:
Funeral Homes are also on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19. They are working around the clock to find new ways to implement social distancing while still giving families the opportunity to say goodbye to their love ones. The CDC has limited gatherings to ten, leaving family members to decide who can attend the funeral. Funeral homes have also moved ceremonies to graveside versus a church or chapel to further prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. These decisions have called into question people’s morals and to make tough choices during a time that is already difficult. As the spread of the virus grows, funeral homes are also being overwhelmed by the rate in which bodies need to be prepared, serviced, and buried. Some funeral homes having to hire additional workers to keep up with the workflow. I will be speaking with a local funeral home in Orlando that is known for their hospitality and diligent care.
Why is this story relevant?
COVID-19 first emerged in Wuhan, China in late December and now has progressed into a global pandemic with cases on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. The United States currently has almost 55,000 known cases and 737 reported deaths thus far. The virus has made its way to all 50 states including several territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands. Early reports believed the virus only caused complications with the elderly, but in recent events the world has seen the virus does not discriminate against race, nationality, or age. Families across the nation are being restricted from mourning their love ones and limited to one person during hospital visits. Countless stories have filled social media timelines of terror and rage as people have had choose who will be the ONE to say goodbye on behalf of everyone in their family. The same applies to funerals. This is a human story that tugs at the emotions of humanity.
Potential Interviews:
Kimberly Mitchell
Funeral Home Director
Mitchell’s Funeral Home, Inc.
01 Fairvilla Rd, Orlando, FL 32808
(407) 298-0703
· Family owned and operated
· Serving Orlando community for over 50 years (Founded in 1976)
Supporting Elements:
· Graphic chart of deaths associated with COVID-19
· B-roll of the funeral home, caskets, etc.
· Hospital B-roll
· Notable deaths thus far from media outlets
Research Sources:
Topic: Fighting from the frontlines
Title: Average Joe turns into Hero
Background Info:
As cities across the nation move into mandated lockdowns by state governors, some business is being required to stay open as they are deemed as essential workers. These businesses include grocery stores, hospitals, emergency services, chemical section, energy, government facilities, and financial services. These individuals are the most vulnerable to catching COVID-19 due to their daily interactions with the community. Most of them can’t implement the CDC’s recommendation of social distancing by six feet nor can they actively participate in the 15-day quarantine to slow the spread of the disease. Further putting themselves at risk, the people they are interacting with daily, and their households. The virus was passed from animals to humans and spread from both direct and indirect contact, making it harder for scientists and doctors to control the spread of the coronavirus. According to the CDC, symptoms of the coronaviruses include runny nose, headache, cough, core throat, and fever. Some cases have even progressed to pneumonia and fibrosis.
Why is this story relevant?
COVID-19 first emerged in Wuhan, China in late December and now has progressed into a global pandemic with cases on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. The United States currently has almost 55,000 known cases and 737 reported deaths thus far. The virus has made its way to all 50 states including several territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands. With cases only rising, many state governors have called for state lockdowns in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. However, those decisions come at the sacrifice of minimum wage workers who provide services that weren’t always seen as essential. Fast food chains and grocery stores remain open, with altered hours, to benefit their communities. How are these companies protecting their employees during this time? Is there an incentive pay? Are they receiving bonuses?
Potential Interviews:
Sara Wilson
Publix Cashier
· She has worked almost every day since the beginning of march and puts herself at risk everyday of contracting COVID-19
· How are her bosses (or corporate) protecting Publix employees? Are they given protection gear?
· Will you leave your job if the number cases continue to grow?
Nikenson Charlitte
US National Coast Guard
Stationed in California but from Orlando, FL
· Can speak about actions being taken on the west coast in comparison to efforts in Florida
· What role is the national guard playing in this pandemic?
· Does your duty to your country surpass your concern for your health?
Supporting Elements:
· B-roll of grocery stores, empty shelves, national coast guard, people interacting with cashiers
· Graphic of jobs deemed essential during Quarantine
· Images of the impact of lockdowns and the virus in general
Research Sources:
