The Minister of Health says 18 funeral homes have been approved to handle the funerals of COVID deceased.
He said costs range from $1,500 to $7,575 and are borne by the relevant regional health authorities and families.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, following a question from Opposition Senator Jayanti Lutchmedial.
Lutchmedial claimed a family received a $16,000 bill from a funeral agency for the funeral of a relative and queried how this was possible.
However, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh asked her to provide the information to him to find out whether these claims were true as he explained that costs were agreed between the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) and funeral agencies which have been approved to carry out such funerals.
Deyalsingh said the cost includes items such as transporting the body and crematorium services.
He also said the cost is shared between the NCRHA and the family of the deceased.
He identified Belgrove’s Funeral Home, Clark and Battoo Funeral Services, Guide’s Funeral Services, Dass Funeral Home and Musline Funeral Services among the agencies which were selected because of their compliance with covid19 guidelines for funerals.
Deyalsingh explained these guidelines were developed by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer.
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