More than 5 million children have lost a parent or caregiver to COVID-19
Over six months in 2021, the number of children who experienced such loss almost doubled
![photo of a COVID-19 memorial wall painted with red hearts of varying sizes and messages; flowers and posters appear below](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/022422_ac_covid-orphans_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
This COVID-19 memorial wall in London is painted with hearts commemorating those who died of the disease in the United Kingdom. Worldwide, COVID-19 has killed some 5 million people and with each death, at least one child has lost a parent or caregiver, a study reports.
TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images