FUNERAL homes in Grand Bahama have been busy, especially in the past month because of the increased COVID-related deaths on the island.

Bertram Pinder, of Russell & Pinder Funeral Home, reported that they have seen more deaths on the island.

“We have been extremely busy,” he said.

“It has definitely increased in the last month, six weeks, especially. We have gotten quite a few, mostly COVID-related deaths.”

Mr Pinder — who has been in the funeral business for many years — said his staff have to be cautious when handling bodies they receive.

“We are busier than normal, and we try to treat each body as if it is COVID-positive because sometimes you don’t know until you get the documentation,” he said.

He stated families are unable to see their deceased loved ones until the funeral.

“Because they are not able to see them in the hospital when we get a body, they want to see it. COVID protocols allow graveside services only, which has been the norm,” Mr Pinder said.

He encouraged persons in the community to get vaccinated.

Health officials have said there have been no recorded deaths of fully vaccinated people with the virus.

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