Hindsight is 2020: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic on Death, Dying, and Grief

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has led to significant changes not only in the way we live, but also in the way we die. Visitor restrictions mean that patients are dying alone, and that families and loved ones are often unable to say goodbye or visit in the days and hours preceding death. Further, limitations on various cultural norms and rituals following death, such as the ability to hold funerals or wakes, are also influencing the experience of death and dying. The impact of these changes on bereavement and grief remains unknown, but it has been speculated that such changes may lead to adverse bereavement and grief experiences. There is an urgent need to establish a national grief strategy to ensure sufficient resources and supports for people experiencing the loss of a loved one, be it from coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) or another cause, during and beyond the pandemic.