By the start of the second full week of May 2020 , the World Health Organization reported that roughly 279,000 people across the globe had died from the novel coronavirus COVID-19 . Many of the 215 countries , areas or territories that reported cases of COVID-19 implemented social distancing measures in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus . While such efforts no doubt saved lives , they also left many people without traditional means of grieving their deceased loved ones . For example , the Church of England limited the number of people who could attend funerals to immediate
family members only , while restrictions on gatherings in the United States made it difficult if not impossible for more than 10 people to grieve together in person .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that grief is a normal response to losing a loved one . In addition , the American Psychological Association says that research has shown that social support can help people recover from such losses
Though traditional funerals and family gatherings may not be possible as the world responds to the COVID-19 outbreak , those who have lost loved ones can embrace various strategies to cope with their loss even while stay-athome orders remain in place .
• Host calls with family members and friends . The videotelephone and chat service Zoom has helped millions of people stay connected with loved ones while social distancing . Schools and universities even employed the service when in-person classroom sessions were canceled to stop the spread of the virus . The CDC recommends grieving families employ such technology to connect with each other in the wake of a loved one ’ s death .
• Share stories . Grieving family members are urged
MORRIS & HISLOPE FUNERAL HOME
5900 N . Hwy 27 , Science Hill 606-423-3131 www . morrisandhislope . com
PULASKI FUNERAL HOME
165 N . Hwy 2227 , Somerset 606-678-4166 www . pulaskifuneralhome . com
“ Providing Services Within The Means of Every Family ”
Morris & Hislope Funeral Home and Pulaski Funeral Home have been a familiar face in Pulaski County , Kentucky since our founding ’ s in 1949 & 1953 respectively
2021 SENIOR LIVING • 31