FUNERALS of coronavirus patients could be streamed online in the UK if the deadly bug becomes a pandemic.
The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) has said that services could be adapted in the event that public gatherings are banned.
Read our coronavirus live blog for all the latest news and updates
In a statement, the NAFD said it was in "dialogue with the government and local authorities to seek early guidance on steps funeral directors may need to take in the event of a pandemic."
The steps would be determined by the severity of the outbreak.
They would also depend on whether funerals would need to be "adapted in the event of a ban on public gatherings and other changes".
'WEBCASTING'
The NAFD told Sky News: “One option might include the webcasting of funeral services, as many crematoria now have these facilities – or holding a separate memorial service at a later date."
It added: “As well as supporting the government and local authorities in managing the impact of the additional deaths, funeral directors would be focused on helping families who lose a loved one during that time in finding meaningful ways to say goodbye – even if the funeral they would have preferred isn't possible.”
One option might include the webcasting of funeral services, as many crematoria now have these facilities – or holding a separate memorial service at a later date.
FIRST UK DEATH
It comes as the first patient died in Britain today after testing positive for coronavirus.
In a worrying development, medics believe the patient contracted the virus in the UK and health workers are scrambling to track down everyone that they had come in contact with.
The Department of Health today confirmed that the number of coronavirus patients in the UK surged to 116 today, with 31 new positive tests in the last 24 hours.
It comes after Britain's top medic warned the spread of coronavirus has 'next to no chance' of being stopped as the Government is forced to step up its response to the disease.
Source: Read Full Article