The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of life worldwide, and the process of body repatriation was no exception. The pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges to the already complex procedure of returning deceased loved ones to their home countries. As nations closed their borders, restricted travel, and imposed stringent health protocols, families and repatriation services faced numerous obstacles, both logistical and emotional.
Travel restrictions and border closures
One of the most significant impacts of the pandemic on body repatriation was the widespread implementation of travel restrictions and border closures. At the height of the pandemic, many countries completely shut down international travel to curb the spread of the virus.
Airlines, which typically play a crucial role in the repatriation process, were forced to cancel flights, reducing the availability of routes and cargo space needed to transport remains.
As flights were increasingly canceled and eventually fully suspended during the pandemic, families were left in a state of uncertainty and distress. To avoid this, we have since opted to repatriate the deceased by road within Europe (now we repatriate both by plane and by road).
Health and safety protocols
In addition to travel restrictions, the pandemic brought about stringent health and safety protocols for handling the deceased, especially those who had succumbed to COVID-19.
Many countries implemented new guidelines for the safe transport of remains, including the use of hermetically sealed caskets, mandatory embalming, and restrictions on viewing or touching the body before transport. These measures, while necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, added additional layers of complexity and cost to the repatriation process.
The fear of contamination also led to hesitancy among some service providers. In certain regions, funeral homes and transport services were reluctant to handle COVID-19 cases due to concerns about inadequate protective equipment or the potential health risks involved. This further complicated efforts to repatriate bodies in a timely manner.
Delays and financial strain
The combination of travel restrictions, health protocols, and service provider hesitancy led to significant delays in the repatriation process. In many cases, families were forced to wait weeks or even months to bring their loved ones home.
These delays were not only emotionally taxing but also financially burdensome. The extended storage of bodies, additional paperwork, and increased transportation costs all contributed to a rising financial strain on grieving families.
Moreover, insurance policies that typically cover repatriation expenses often had clauses that excluded pandemics or required extensive documentation, which was difficult to obtain during the chaotic early months of the pandemic. Families were left to navigate these financial challenges on their own, adding to the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
Adapting to new realities
Despite these challenges, the pandemic also led to innovations and adaptations in the field of body repatriation. Some funeral homes and repatriation services began offering virtual memorial services, allowing families to honor their loved ones from afar.
Additionally, there was increased collaboration between governments, international organizations, and private companies to streamline the repatriation process under pandemic conditions.
For example, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) issued guidelines to help ensure the safe transport of human remains during the pandemic. Some countries also introduced temporary policies to expedite the repatriation process, such as waiving certain fees or relaxing documentation requirements.
Why choose Funero?
When selecting a repatriation agency for the deceased, such as Funero, which offers repatriation services across Europe, it's crucial to consider several key factors to ensure a smooth and respectful process. Here are a few thing you should be on the lookout for:
- Fair prices
- Reliability
- Promptness
- Company experience
Funero meets all the qualities listed before and more than that Funero offers one of the most advantageous pricing structures in the industry. Working with a reputable funeral agency can help ensure that all necessary paperwork and legal issues are handled properly.
If a loved one passes away abroad, Funero is here to support you. Our experienced agents will guide you through every step of the process. For more information, feel free to contact us at info@funero.co.uk.