Undertakers are demanding recognition as a systemically relevant professional group, according to "Rheinischer Post"

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Pallbearers at a funeral

Photo: Kzenon / imago images / Panthermedia

The Federal Association of German Undertakers (BDB) is sounding the alarm in the face of the sharp rise in corona deaths: According to a preliminary notification from the Rheinische Post in Düsseldorf, its General Secretary Stephan Neuser is finally calling for the profession to be recognized as systemically relevant.

Even after nine months of pandemic experience, this is still not the case.

Undertakers gave professional help and advice in the pandemic, they were particularly compassionate and could meet the grieving relatives with empathy, said Neuser.

The recognition of the system relevance is important, because this would make it easier to procure scarce work materials such as protective clothing or disinfectants.

This is not only indispensable for the care of those who have died of Covid-19.

In addition, undertakers and their employees would also have fundamental access to regional emergency care for their children if they were systemically relevant.

"Obviously, neither home office nor children walking along in everyday working life are possible for this professional group," said Neuser, whose association, according to its own statements, represents 3,100 funeral directors with 4,500 branches.

It is obvious that the competencies of undertakers are particularly in demand in the pandemic.

On Wednesday, the RKI reported 952 corona deaths in the past 24 hours - a sad high since March.

But not only do undertakers have to do more work, the service itself is also changing; as everywhere, more digital competence is in demand.

"In some cases, relatives could neither say goodbye to the dying person in the hospital or nursing home, nor say a final farewell word at the open coffin," said the BDB general secretary.

Undertakers would provide support during this difficult time and, together with the mourners, also develop new rituals to cope with grief.

"Even the streaming of funeral services was carried out in cemeteries to enable relatives who were not or could not come to participate in this last course," said Neuser.

"Especially during the holidays, family and friends should take the time to help those who are grieving in their pain," says Neuser.

It is important to speak openly about what is good for the individual and to create spaces in which grief can also be perceived as comforting and healing.

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