NAFD set to meet with government officials amid Covid-19 outbreak

Funeral directors are expected to meet Whitehall officials today (17 March) to develop contingency plans amid the recent outbreak of the coronavirus.

The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) said funeral directors need a “clear national policy” and raise concerns over “inconsistencies of advice appearing across the UK.”

Ahead of the meeting, chief executive of the NAFD, Jon Levett said funeral directors across the UK have been working to develop contingency plans and are ready to step up to support the government and the nation in these “unprecedented and worrying times”.

However,  he added that “consistency of advice is key” which will be the main focus of the meeting.

He said: “Funeral directors need a very clear national policy to work to and we are concerned by inconsistencies of advice appearing across the UK which is making it impossible for funeral directors to give accurate advice.

“For example, if there are restrictions on numbers of people gathering, bereaved people need to know exactly what this means for funeral services and how funeral directors can support them.”

He added: “Funeral directors need to understand how working practices may need to change and how they can access supplies they will need, such as Personal Protective Equipment – as well as how the government will support the funeral sector in ensuring they are able to cope as we approach the peak of the outbreak.”