Prepare to work round-the-clock

place to manage any rise in the number of deaths above the seasonal norm.

“At Mortonhall Crematorium we have a state-of-the-art live webcasting and 28-day playback facility in both chapels, which will allow families to participate in a service if they are unable to attend in person.”

Tim Purves, chairman of William Purves, Scotland’s largest independent funeral directors, said that “Covid-19 is to be managed like standard flu” with removal teams wearing gloves and masks. He said that embalming, viewing and the funeral service itself will be impacted, but the disposal of the deceased would not with empty body bags being disposed of as Category B waste defined as ‘infectious substances including pathogens’.

Mr Purves said: “We are primarily being guided by the Scottish and UK governments and their advice as well as best practice for funeral directors.

“We’ve not had a death by coronavirus, but we’ve got advice that the deceased shouldn’t be embalmed, which is likely for protection as a safety measure but the family can still view the deceased.

“The embalming is injecting a preservative through the arterial system. But obviously our staff would wear all the personal protective equipment that is required for that. I think ultimately we would ensure that families are allowed to say goodbye in a safe manner.”

At present funerals in Italy are being cancelled, but the disposal of the body is not and the way in which families mourn has altered due to quarantine conditions being in force.

Scotland is not yet in a state of quarantine and no death from coronavirus have been reported, so services are still scheduled.

Mr Purves said: “Even in the face of a virus like this we have confidence we can continue our service in the coming months.”