Waltham Forest Council Of Mosques (WFCOM): COVID-19 Burial Training

Categories: Past Event Articles
Tuesday April 14 2020
Due to these unprecedented times, WFCOM took the initiative to recruit volunteers who were willing to help with burial procedures due to the growing number of deaths caused by the COVID-19.
Volunteers were invited to attend an initial training session conducted remotely on the 1st April. The session was delivered by various stakeholders including a local GP, Imam, members of the WFCOM committee, and a Chaplain from Homerton Hospital.
It has been reported that the Waltham Forest Muslim community has predominantly been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Hence, more than fifty volunteers attended the training where the government social distancing strategy was strongly reinforced to reduce further deaths.
The training highlighted safety procedures that volunteers must adhere to when handling deceased bodies. Notably, it was made apparent that during the ghusl procedure risk to the volunteer was substantially lower than when collecting the body from the hospital or deceased’s home. The use and provision of personal protective equipment and the procedures for the Janazah including the restricted number of attendees (10 maximum) were explained. The demonstration of the Ghusl process conducted by the chaplain was highly informative and addressed many questions and concerns the volunteers had.
The meeting was informative, reassuring, and delivered to a very high standard. Further to the meeting, WFCOM have produced a detailed leaflet for residents outlining the process involved for all funerals (COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 related). It is highly commendable that all organisations are working together to provide a one-stop bespoke service for the Muslim community in the borough. Upholding the Sunnah and fulfilling the rights with honour and dignity for those who have departed from this world as well as reassuring the family of the deceased is the upmost priority of WFCOM.
If you require the Waltham Forest Funeral Service please contact 07415308692 between 8am and 8pm