Final farewells at Mexican cemetery lose luster over COVID-19

The peculiar nature of the job means they have more work than ever right now. But Mexico's gravediggers and crematorium workers say they are paying a heavy price for constant exposure to other people's grief during the coronavirus pandemic.

The silver protective suit worn by Jose Ramirez makes him look like an astronaut.

So far it's been an effective shield against infection, but it offers no barrier to other people's suffering, he says.

Humberto Montes' mask makes him feel uncomfortable. He and the other members of his trio just can't sing properly with them on. It's the least of their worries, however, as business has all but dried up.

"With the masks we are not working at ease and the voice doesn't come out the same way," said Montes, 60. His two partners read the Bible to kill the boredom as they wait for customers. | Israel Mundo waits for a funeral to be able to offer his services at the Municipal Pantheon of Ciudad Nezahualcoyot

Spotting an opportunity, Montes carries his guitar over to a graveside, offering his services to a mourning family. They turn him away.

A funeral musician, his serenades for the dead - long a part of final farewells in Mexico - are no longer wanted by grieving families who are shocked at the swiftness of death and burial during the pandemic. | Roberto Maldonado waits for a funeral to be able to offer his services at the Municipal Pantheon of Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl,

These men are the last links in a chain of tragedy leading from sick bed to hospital to a tomb in this Mexico City suburb.

Masks and gloves of workers of the crematorium at the Municipal Pantheon of Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl. | The pandemic sweeping through Mexico has so far left more than 105,000 people infected and caused almost 13,000 deaths.