scorecardWeddings, funerals, and haircuts: 9 everyday public activities that you may not realize are getting disrupted by the coronavirus
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Weddings, funerals, and haircuts: 9 everyday public activities that you may not realize are getting disrupted by the coronavirus

Weddings

Weddings, funerals, and haircuts: 9 everyday public activities that you may not realize are getting disrupted by the coronavirus

Funerals

Funerals

The CDC has instructed morticians to limit funeral attendance to under 50 people and to livestream services online to larger audiences. In Italy, where hospitals and morgues are overflowing and more than 300 people died on Monday alone, according to The New York Times, funerals have been banned entirely.

Religious services

Religious services

Holy sites like Mecca have been emptied out, synagogues called off Purim services and have held virtual bar mitzvahs, and churches have stopped holding masses or implemented social distancing ahead of Easter. Pope Francis canceled his public appearances and is now streaming his weekly prayers online.

Movies

Movies

It's not just theaters that are shutting down, the movie industry itself is taking a hit, with releases being delayed for major titles like Disney's live-action "Mulan" remake and the new James Bond film, "No Time To Die."

Hanging out with friends

Hanging out with friends

As social distancing becomes the new normal for most people across the world, there's a worry it could cause a "loneliness epidemic." This could be particularly worrisome for the elderly and other vulnerable populations, whom the CDC has advised to "stay home as much as possible." It could also fuel a new wave of virtual mental health companies and remote wellness programs aimed at keeping people connected and healthy while they're cooped up.

Recreational sports

Recreational sports

The professional sports world came to a grinding halt this week with the NBA, MLB, NHL, and NCAA canceling their seasons. But for millions of kids and adults who enjoy playing sports for fun, they're also facing the likelihood that a favorite pastime won't be an option for the foreseeable future.

Standardized tests

Standardized tests

College admission tests like the SAT and ACT, where test takers and moderators must congregate in-person, have already been canceled through May, and it's raising questions for anxious high-school graduates about how the delays will impact their applications.

Esports

Esports

While people may be playing a lot more video games as they're stuck at home, the esports industry could have a tough road ahead. Esports leagues and tournaments, as well as industry conferences, require public gatherings as much as any other sport, and will need to find ways to move online.

Haircuts and nail care

Haircuts and nail care

When San Francisco went on lockdown this week, it explicitly told residents: "You cannot go to a nail salon or get your hair cut by a stylist or barber." As more businesses shut down, barbershops as well as hair and nail salons could have to drastically change how they operate.

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