Grieving the loss of a loved one during the fear and anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming. It may be difficult for people to make decisions about how to safely grieve and honor their loved one.
In some situations, many people have become sick with COVID-19 after attending a funeral service. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in communities, changes need to be made to the way funerals, visitations, and memorials to the deceased are held.
The Centers for Disease Control offers a number tips to help families and individuals to plan and hold funeral services and visitations during the COVID-19 pandemic safely.
A few of those tips include:

• Using technology to connect virtually with family and friends during the grieving process.
• Considering modified funeral arrangements, such as limiting attendance at funerals to a small number of immediate family members and friends; and then holding additional memorial services when social distancing guidelines are less restrictive.
• Practicing social distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet of distance between attendees, when small, in-person services are held.
• Considering modifications to funeral rites and rituals (for example, avoid touching the deceased person’s body or personal belongings or other ceremonial objects) to make sure of everyone’s safety.
• Wearing cloth face coverings while around others and outside of your home.

For more detailed information on these tips, click here.