Funeral Directors ‘inundated’ with calls about rules
been postponed indefinitely while the country is in crisis.
Debbie Byrne, An Post, Managing Director, An Post Retail says An Post recognises that the coming weeks will be difficult for customers.
“Our hope is that ongoing practical response to the needs of customers will help us playing our part in the national effort.
“An Post is conscious of our role in helping customers access cash and in facilitating local commerce wherever possible and this will continue.’’
Postmasters have assured the public that in the current Covid-19 pandemic Post Offices are remaining open as an essential service to local communities – and measures have been agreed with An Post to prioritise public safety.
The Irish Postmasters’ Union General Secretary Ned O’Hara said: “Social distancing will require Postmasters to limit the number of customers in the premises at any one time.
“Hand sanitisers are being installed in all Post Offices as they become available and health and safety notices on social distancing are being placed in queuing areas.
“Opening hours are being extended and adjusted to suit local requirements and this is being kept under review. Where a Postmaster may have to self-isolate, arrangements will be made for payments to temporarily be available in a neighbouring Office.
“Postmasters would like to thank the public for the ongoing high-level of co-operation and support.
“If people have any particular concerns or questions they can phone their local Postmaster who is committed to being flexible and to serving the public, while fully supporting the national effort to minimise social contact,” Mr O’Hara concluded.
The Irish Association of Funeral Directors says it has been inundated with calls from anxious bereaved families asking for advice about the burial and cremation of their loved ones an and, more distressingly, the fitting goodbye which they feel their the loved one is entitled to, irrespective of the current crisis.
The Association says it is acutely aware of the worry people are feeling regarding the attendance and direction of funerals. Guidance Gu form the HSE advises that funerals can be held pr privately behind closed doors with family and close friends ca can be present.
There should be no public advertisement of funeral arran rangements – in print or online – but death notices can be placed pla without arrangements. Families can advise friends and relations rel privately of funeral arrangements.
There should be no provision for condolence book and pen at the funeral and public reposing must be discouraged as should sh funeral home gatherings.
Family gatherings should be by invite only and attendance restricted res to below 100. Social distancing must be maintained with wi no handshaking or hugging.