Funeral rules changed

The Ministry of Health has altered the rules for handling bodies of those who died of Covid-19 - allowing viewings or changing clothes.

While having a viewing is not recommended, it is no longer prohibited. The Ministry also recommends that funeral workers do not comb, wash or dress the deceased. The body should be disinfected with a product that destroys viruses.

According to the Ministry, there is no evidence of coronavirus transmission while handling bodies of the deceased - but funeral workers should still use protective equipment, especially gloves and waterproof clothing with long sleeves.

In March, the Ministry banned combing, washing and dressing the coronavirus victims. It also ordered that the body be placed in a thick plastic bag with a covered zipper. Having a viewing of the body was prohibited. There was also talk for a while that it should be obligatory to cremate people who died of Covid-19.