Updates COVID-19

Our thoughts continue to be with all of our members, their staff, as well as with their families during this challenging situation.

28.05.2020

Update from the EFFS Board members:

France: funeral ceremonies allowed with up to 20 people; total deaths 28,000; state of emergency extended to July 10, 2020

Sweden: waiting period for funerals increased from normal 24 days to 30 days; no embalming; all deceased body bags mandatory; total deaths 4,200 thereof 3,900 in last 10 weeks with 50% in Stockholm; funerals with max. 50 persons allowed; viewing allowed

Italy: many restrictions and regulations lifted as of May 11, 2020; funerals not allowed for COVID19 deceased; funerals for deceased from other causes of death allowed with up to 15 persons; total deaths 34,000; mortality rate returning to normal rate

Germany: steps toward normality throughout the country; major problem federalism; each of 16 counties can make own decisions on regulations and restrictions; total deaths 8,000; normal daily mortality rate in comparison 2,500 deaths; funerals limited depending on county from family members only to max. 50 persons; PPE shortage for funeral professionals and hospitals

Spain: mortality rate started returning to normal numbers beginning of April; since mid-May at normal rate; steps back to normality in four phases (0-4) with two-week intervals; most municipalities in phase 1 with Barcelona and Madrid at phase 0; total deaths 28,000 with no more outbreaks; new infections low; funerals with max. 10 persons; funeral faculties can only operate at 30% of max. capacity

Portugal: state of emergency lifted end of April; 29,000 positive COVID cases, 1,200 deaths, 4% of cases died due to COVID and 24% were COVID infected; max. 10 people at any gathering; nationwide decision by members of Portuguese Funeral Association not to practice the tradition of vigils; bereaved can view deceased 30-40 minutes before funeral

Austria: closing of borders caused problems; schools and shops have re-opened; funerals up to 30 persons allowed; variations depending on size of facility (10m² per person); 500 total deaths; digitalisation and streaming services increased substantially; revenue down by 25% due to less services being purchased for funerals

Slovakia: outdoor funeral allowed; up to 5 persons; total deaths 24 nationwide; government closed borders, airports, schools, churches; moving towards normality in four phases with the country now at phase 3; schools re-opening in June; PPE becoming difficult; COVID19 infected body bag mandatory

Norway: lockdown since March 13, 2020, epicentre Oslo; reduced revenue at funerals; max. 50 people; total deaths 235; mortality rate including COVID deceased less than same time last year; re-opening commencing; Norwegian production of PPE; streaming services well received

Complete update COVID-19

15.05.2020

Update from Croatia:

Recommendations and instructions of the Croatian Institute of Public Health.

International funeral drivers can enter Croatia and leave Croatia without self-isolation.

Croatian and foreign citizens entering the Republic are obliged to adhere to these recommendations and instructions for 14 days from the day of crossing the state border as follows:

During the first 14 days from the entry into the Republic of Croatia, exits from the accommodation are limited only to the necessary: performing work if it is a business reason for entering the Republic
Croatia, performing the necessary activities with continuously intensified implementation of hygiene measure.
It is recommended to use a mouth mask or nasal cover during necessary exits from the accommodation, maintain physical distance from other people (minimum 1.5 meters) and carry out hand hygiene. Wash your hands as often as possible with warm soapy water and / or use a disinfectant to hands that should be rubbed well into the palms. Avoid touching face, mouth, nose and eyes.
Avoid using public transport. If using transport, it is desirable that the person alone or exclusively with persons sharing shared accommodation.
Groupings and public gatherings should be consistently avoided
During business meetings, as few people as possible should be met, physical space should be ensured of 1.5 meters with the availability of disinfectants, avoid unnecessary meetings.
During their stay in the accommodation, such persons prepare food themselves, i.e. use delivery services for food and beverage
Payment services are performed by cashless card payment or online services.
It is necessary to measure body temperature every morning; if it is higher than 37.2°, it is necessary repeat the measurement after 10 minutes, and if the temperature is again higher than 37.2°, it is necessary to stay at home / in accommodation and contact the chosen family medicine doctor if any (Croatian citizens), or a territorially competent epidemiologist
In case of symptoms of acute respiratory infection (cough, sore throat, increased body temperature, shortness of breath / difficulty breathing, loss of sense of smell and taste), it is necessary to stay at home / in accommodation and contact the chosen family medicine doctor if any (Croatian citizens), or a territorially competent epidemiologist
In case of sudden onset of severe, life-threatening symptoms, the person appears in an emergency medical service.
If symptoms of respiratory disease occur. If you develop symptoms of respiratory disease (fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, weakness) call your chosen doctor, who will, based on your medical condition assess the need for possible testing for a new coronavirus. If you need it seek medical attention for reasons other than respiratory illness, call your chosen doctor or some it is contacted by one of your family members for a consultation and arrangement for a home visit. Don't go alone to a health facility without prior telephone notice.

Croatian Institute of Public Health website https://www.hzjz.hr/sluzba-epidemiologija-zaraznebolesti/koronavirus-najnovije-preporuke/

Complete update COVID-19

08.05.2020

Update from Italy:

Since May 4, Italy has entered the so-called Phase 2, which means a progressive loosening of social limitations and a widening of the reopening of economic activities.

With regard to deaths the lockdown has been effective and, although in a differentiated way, the mortality rate is showing a tendency toward the expected rate. At the same time, the Ministry of Health has strengthened the instruments for monitoring the dynamics of the parameter R with zero, in order to keep track of the generation of new outbreaks and to intervene in time to contain them, even on a small scale.

Phase 2 has provided for the resumption of funeral rites, even though with restrictions on the participation of the mourners: no more than 15 people and with prophylaxis and safety measures (in particular, social distancing and the use of masks).

By regulation of local authorities, cemeteries are open to citizens and operators, but with recommendations to avoid crowding.

In regions particularly affected by the epidemic, the funeral sector has been under severe stress, particularly in terms of cremation.

The state of emergency has highlighted critical issues that have emerged during this period but present under track in ordinary situations: information system, simplification of procedures and introduction of digital platforms.

We have to commend several experiences promoted by voluntary associations as well as by operators to help in the elaboration mourning in remote for those who have been unable to carry out funeral rites because of quarantine or other restrictions.

Complete update COVID-19

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The European Federation of Funeral Services with over 100 members in 29 countries is focussed on continuously improving the professionalism in our business sector. Our goal is to support our members as best we can with all European issues.