How coronavirus could change funerals forever

Lockdown has had a profound impact on how we mark the passing of our loved ones and process grief. But it’s changed funerals in other ways too, writes Len Williams, and some of those changes could be here to stay

Restrictions have made an already difficult time harder (PA)

It was horrible. We even had to social distance when we were at the crematorium,” says James McConnell. “I could only look at my sister and brother, but I couldn’t hold them since we don’t live in the same household.” On 16 March, a week before the government’s lockdown came into effect, McConnell’s mother Caroline died from cancer but, due to social distancing rules and a strict limit of five mourners at Woking Crematorium, the funeral didn’t take place until almost a month later on 14 April.

The experience of grieving under lockdown has been surreal, says McConnell. “It really feels like we’re living in a sort of dream world,” he tells me. “You have to accept that’s the hand you’ve been dealt in this horrific time and you just have to stay strong.”

Fortunately for McConnell and his family, they were able to hold a small service at their local church. Well-wishers unable to attend paid their respects, lit candles and said prayers from home. Once lockdown is lifted, the family plans to get his mum’s many friends and relatives together to celebrate her life.