ATLANTA, GA-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. This guidance is for individuals and families as they work with funeral directors, community and religious leaders, and others to plan and hold funeral services and visitations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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. This guidance provides strategies to protect yourself and others when you are grieving the loss of a loved one, supporting each other, making funeral arrangements, and participating in funeral services and visitations. Some examples include:
- Using technology to connect virtually with family and friends during the grieving process.
- Considering modified funeral arrangements, such as limiting attendance at funerals held during shortly after the time of death 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 between attendees, facility staff, and clergy or officiants 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.
This video explains how COVID-19 can spread in a community using an example featured in an April 2020 CDC MMWR. Investigation of COVID-19 cases in Chicago identified a cluster of 16 confirmed or probably cases, including three deaths, likely resulting from one introduction. Extended family gatherings, including a funeral and birthday party, likely facilitated transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in this cluster.
https://youtu.be/9pVy8sRC440
If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others:
- Call 911
- Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUsto 66746
- Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224
- Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), or use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat.
Media Release/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
