Funeral directors issue statement after coronavirus guidelines publicised

The Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD) has said it did not intend to alarm the public or be insensitive to the trauma of loved ones after it issued guidelines that funeral services for anyone who dies due to coronavirus should be postponed.

It added that the deceased should be immediately cremated or buried and also advised that funeral instructions should only be given to undertakers over the phone. 

A spokesperson for IAFD said: "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.

"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.”