Temporary mortuary facilities being arranged for Covid-19 fatalities

Department of Taoiseach assistant secretary general Elizabeth Canavan said: “We are still largely in the preparation phase — getting the country ready and putting the necessary infrastructure in place, in particular the medical infrastructure, to deal with the surge when it comes.

“As part of this work, we are also preparing for the wider consequences of the surge including the deeply sensitive issue of temporary mortuary facilities.”

“A group of senior officials from across Government and relevant agencies is working together on this matter and is guided and informed by the need for compassion and care for the families who will be affected.”

The death toll from the virus in Ireland stood at nine yesterday afternoon.

But health officials expect fatality numbers to rise significantly in the weeks ahead. Other EU states have taken steps to create makeshift morgues, including in Madrid where an ice rink in a shopping centre is being used by Spanish authorities.

Formal HSE guidelines for the Covid-19 emergency warn that funeral arrangements for deceased with positive cases should include a closed coffin service and that only a small number of people should attend any ceremony. Relatives and friends should use their own transport to get to ceremonies.

Then this week, the Government cautioned against any gathering of more than four people — unless they are family.

It is also understood that funeral directors have raised concerns with the Government over the provision of adequate protective equipment when handling the deceased who died from the virus.

Meanwhile, Ms Canavan confirmed that RTÉ TV is preparing to broadcast lessons into homes to help pupils out of school.

The “home school hub” will “provide young viewers with daily lessons that aim to build on and support the remote education already being provided by dedicated teachers all across the country”, said Ms Canavan.

From next Monday, children will be able to watch or download and engage with curriculum-based content, project work and activities on RTE 2, RTE player and on the station’s website.

It was also announced that 1,580 schools have been advised that as of next Monday, they can still provide weekly boxes of non-perishable, nutritious goods to eligible families as part of the school meals programme.

Elsewhere, contractors and officials managing building sites have been given 48 hours to ensure social distancing is being practised among workers.

Ms Canavan said the construction industry federation has agreed that the number-one priority is implementing social distancing guidelines.

"Every site is to have a designated person responsible for overseeing social distancing.

"Employees and sub-contractors with concerns can engage directly with the designated person. CIF and workers representatives ICTU are finalising how this will work," she said.

It was also confirmed that the Dublin Region Homeless Executive has secured 300 extra self-contained units to support the isolation of homeless individuals who have tested positive for Covid-19 or who are required to isolate pending test results.

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