“It was not our intention to alarm the public or be insensitive to the trauma that loved ones may face.”
Funeral directors have been advised that any person who dies from coronavirus in Ireland should be immediately buried or cremated and a funeral service should take place at a later date.
The guidance was issued by the Irish Association of Funeral Directors to its members as part of a list of recommendations.
The IAFD said it has been advised by the Dublin City Coroner that Covid-19 can last for several days after death and that until clear advice is provided by the relevant health authority, the IAFD recommended that all funeral directors should take extra precautions and follow the current hygiene guidelines.
Among the guidelines issued by the IAFD, funeral directors are advised to wear protective clothing when handling deceased and all clothing should then be disposed of safely and vehicles cleaned after removal of the deceased.
The deceased should not be embalmed but placed in a selected coffin, which is then closed. Public gatherings such as a funeral service should not take place and deceased should be brought straight to the crematorium or cemetery for committal.
A memorial service should then take place at a later date according to the IAFD.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the IAFD said the recommendations were not meant to cause public panic or be insensitive to the trauma suffered by the bereaved.
“We have issued a guidance policy to our members in the unfortunate event that they may have to arrange a funeral for a victim of coronavirus,” the statement read.
“Whilst this policy may make for uncomfortable reading it was not our intention to alarm the public or be insensitive to the trauma that loved ones may face should a member of their family die from the disease.
“We will continue to monitor advice from the government and although the health and safety of our members is paramount, we would assure the public that should any of our members be required to arrange a funeral, under these unprecedented circumstances, they will do so with the utmost respect and professionalism for the deceased and their bereaved family.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
