Families Gather in Novel Ways in Pandemic

by Steve Hartnett

COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, has been a challenge confronting countries around the world. The disruptions from the social distancing required to fight the virus have been felt by people around the world. As we mark passing holidays, we reflect on the importance of family. Learn how to share time with family during this pandemic and tackle tasks such as Estate Planning.

The novel “coronavirus” (also called “SARS-CoV-2”) causes the disease “COVID-19.” It first appeared in late 2019 and was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 31, 2019. Here’s a link to the WHO’s site for the latest global information. At this point, the virus has infected nearly two million people, including those on every continent except Antarctica, and over half a million in the United States alone.

The coronavirus has wreaked havoc on social and family lives. The virus has spread at gatherings like weddings and funerals. Here’s a story of how it impacted a small town due to the spread at a funeral. Here’s another story of how it killed four members of the same family who attended a family reunion and resulted in the hospitalization of several other family members.

But, people are adapting to this new normal. Weddings are being postponed or downsized. Here’s a story of how weddings have proceeded during this time of social distancing.

Funerals are perhaps the most difficult family events, even in the best of times. Here’s a story of how funerals are even harder in the age of coronavirus.

Family reunions are being postponed or held virtually. Here’s a story of a family reunion that moved online because of the virus. Here are some tips on holding virtual family reunions. Here are some tips for holding a virtual family reunion on Facebook. Here’s a story of how people can even use virtual reality to connect with family from whom they are separated.

Families are getting together for special events, like Easter dinner, an Easter egg hunt, or a Passover seder. Here’s a story of a seder held using Zoom. Here’s another story of how Easter and Passover are moving to Zoom in the age of coronavirus.

We all need to pull together to do everything we can to minimize the impact of COVID-19. Social distancing and self-quarantining are important to the mitigation of the impact of COVID-19. Here’s an article from Johns Hopkins explaining social distancing and self-quarantining.

But, that doesn’t mean we need to be socially isolated. We can and should keep our family and friends close to our hearts, if not in an actual physical embrace.

We can do the following to make our relationships even stronger because we need friends and family in our lives now more than ever:

• Video calls (Zoom, Skype, Facetime, etc.)
• Virtual game nights
• Virtual dinners
• Virtual happy hours
• Virtual dance parties

Here’s a helpful article that elaborates on these and other ways to keep up with family and friends in this time of social isolation.

While you’re stuck at home, now may be a great time to tackle tasks that you’ve been putting off, such as cleaning out the garage, or doing your Estate Planning. Many attorneys offer Zoom consultations.

We will get through this pandemic…together!

Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M.
Director of Education
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (858) 453-2128
www.aaepa.com