NAFD pays tribute to 100,000 lost to Covid
The trade association marked the loss of over 100,00 people who have lost their lives during the pandemic
The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) has marked the loss of over 100,000 people who have died within 28 days of contracting Covid-19 in the past year.
Over the span of 2020, the UK saw its highest death toll since the 1918 Flu Pandemic, with over 600,000 dying, for any reason, in the past year.
The pandemic has proven to be a great strain on the funeral services industry due to the scale of loss and implementation of social distancing measures.
The trade association reiterated its commitment to supporting funeral directors and the bereaved during the health crisis.
In a statement on its website, the NAFD said: “Funeral service employees devote their lives to the care of those that die and their grieving families. Right now, funeral homes across the UK are under extreme pressure – beyond anything they have previously experienced and the sheer scale of the loss they are dealing with is profoundly distressing.
“They are caring for mothers, fathers, grandparents, children, brothers, sisters, friends – and, sometimes, entire families. This pandemic is far from over. Deaths remain more than 30 percent above the seasonal norm and, tragically, more will die, before their time, before this is over.”
They added: “The vast majority of funerals are now being live-streamed so, if you’re not within the small group invited to be present at the service, please take part online instead. We understand that you are also grieving, and our thoughts are with you too – but there are strict limits in place for public health reasons and they must be followed.
“Thank you to all of the funeral service employees for their determination to ensure bereaved people can continue to say a meaningful and personal goodbye during the pandemic. We’re proud to support you.”
