COVID-19: spiritual interventions for the living and the dead.

In a recently published correspondence to the editor of this journal, the authors have called for a need to address the risk and dangers of preparing of funeral directors in handling the dead. This paper provides an urgent appeal to the medical community to include the issue of religious or spiritual interventions for the living and the dead. However, a question is raised: what kind and form of spiritual or religious interventions can the religious leaders come up with? The most immediate need is to provide care for those infected by the COVID-19, providing assistance in their healing process and giving spiritual support to the bereaved family members. © Crown copyright 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in mortality rate worldwide. As of this writing, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused more than 800 000 deaths and almost 23 million people have been infected. The author read with interest the article by Overmeire and Bilsen who described the risk for funeral directors who are handling the dead. Specifically, the authors address the possible physical and mental health intervention for funeral directors and those handling the dead. The author adds to their findings the spiritual and religious intervention for the dead by providing spiritual care to both the dead and the bereaved family members.

Religious leaders, faith-based organizations and faith-based communities are ‘the primary source of support, comfort, guidance and direct health care and social service, for the communities they serve’. However, a question is raised: What kind and form of spiritual or religious interventions can the religious leaders come up with? The most immediate need is to provide care for those infected by the COVID-19, provide assistance in their healing process and give spiritual support to the bereaved family members. Those who have lost loved ones have to go through a grieving process. Virtual memorial services, live streaming and online eulogies are some of the creative ways to remember the dead. Aten et al. provides Spiritual First Aid which aims ‘to mitigate distress by identifying and responding to unmet core needs (Belonging, Livelihood, Emotional, Spiritual, and Safety needs) that are caused by COVID-19’.

The Philippines, a predominantly Christian country in Southeast Asia, has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the entire region. As of this writing, the Philippines recorded 182 365 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 2940 total deaths. Several dioceses have set up immediate support helpline for those struggling with anxiety and other emotions due to the COVID-19. Indeed, ‘faith leaders can help grieving families to ensure that their departed loved ones receive respectful, appropriate funerals and burial rites, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic’.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on how we treat the living and the dead. Religious leaders must provide immediate attention to also care for the bereaved family members who are grieving. The author suggests that creative funeral rites, liturgical and sacramental services be provided to remember the dead and to ease the grief of the bereaved family members.