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Coronavirus – Changing How We Mourn During a Funeral Service

The normal process of grieving during a funeral service has been disrupted in most countries across the globe. The pandemic has changed almost every aspect of our lives and funeral services are no different. Due to strict social distancing guidelines, we can no longer put an arm around a family member or hug someone who is grieving. We must keep out distance and deal with the service on our own.

Restrictions

Many countries have put restrictions on the number of people who can attend a funeral service. Family members are no longer allowed to visit loved one’s who are dying, and this is a bitter pill to swallow. Even after they’ve died, you can no longer touch their body. With all these strict guidelines in place, many mourners across the world have to grieve alone.

When you visit a Sydney funeral home, you must obey social distancing guidelines to stop the spread of the virus. Some are even too afraid to attend funerals as they fear they will contract the virus from others.

Learning to Deal with Grief

The funeral ritual is a way of dealing with loss and with the pandemic in full swing, we have been forced to change the way we plan the ceremony. Not being able to attend a funeral in person is having a negative psychological impact on so many people.

Many of the strategies we use to cope with grief have been taken away because of the pandemic. We are told not to isolate ourselves after a loved one has died, but this is no longer an option for many as lockdowns are in place all over the world.

Hospitals in dozens of countries are closed to visitors and family members cannot visit loved one’s who are close to death. Not being able to say your last goodbyes to a loved one is extremely distressing to all involved.

Attending a Funeral

If you are in a country that allows mourners to attend a funeral there will be restrictions in place at the ceremony. Some countries who have handled the virus well are allowing up to 100 mourners at the ceremony. In other places, they may only allow 10.

The only way you’ll find out is to contact your local funeral director and ask for information. You could also go online and read about regulations from your government website.

If you do plan on attending, here are some things to remember.

  • Avoid going to the service if you have a high temperature or show any signs of sickness.
  • Anyone self-isolating should do so for the required number of days and not break this to attend a funeral.
  • If you pose a risk, avail of digital services such as live feeds.
  • Wear a mask, keep a safe distance, and wash your hands.

Losing a family member or friend is never easy, in the midst of a pandemic it becomes even worse. Only a certain number of people can attend, and in some countries, this is as little as 10. Mourners must keep away from others and maintain an acceptable distance. This must be adhered to at the viewing, service, and burial.