Coronavirus crisis escalates
Funeral directors issue revised guidelines for bereaved families
THE Irish Association of Funeral directors has issued a set of strict new guidelines for its members in light of the ongoing Covis-19 pandemic amid concerns from the public relation to funeral protocols.
The association, which handles almost 80% of funerals across the country, said they had been “inundated” with calls from concerned relatives over recent weeks.
Association spokesperson Colm Kieran said that while members had been doing their best to allay fears for families, the reality was they must adhere to guidance from the authorities in how to handle funerals during “what is uncharted territory for all of us.”
Guidance from the HSE has advised that funerals can be held privately behind closed doors with only family and close friends present and, while families can advise relatives and friends of arrangements, there should be no public advertisement of funeral arrangements either in print or online, but notices can be placed without arrangements.
Public reposing and funeral home gatherings must be discouraged. Unfortunately, it’s a case of family only for the moment.
Books of condolence and pens should not be provided, with mourners asked to express their condolences by mass card or online at www.rip.ie.
The HSE has also reiterated that social distancing must be maintained by people keeping two-metres and there musts be no handshaking or hugging.
Mr Kieran said the association was “acutely aware” of the worry people are feeling regarding the attendance and direction of funerals, but that the protection of bereaved families, the public and staff was their greatest concern
“We have been inundated with calls from anxious bereaved families asking for advice and, more distressingly, the fitting goodbye which they feel their loves ones are entitled to, irrespective of the current crisis,” said Mr Kieran.
He said that in the midst of what he described as “the most complex situation the Irish people and our association has ever faced” they were obliged to conduct funerals to the extent advised by the government and the HSE.
“We do not wish to alarm the public or add to the trauma that grieving families may be suffering. Nor does this mean that the standard of our care or quality of our service is diminished,” said Mr Kieran.
“We are more mindful and sensitive than ever to the pain of bereaved families who are trying to grieve and say goodbye under these restricted circumstances and we are working tirelessly to comfort those in their anguish,” he added.