Covid-19 Updates

French coffin industry working overtime as COVID-19 deaths surge

It’s a grim truth that times are good for the coffin business when they’re bad for people, and the coronavirus pandemic is no exception. At a factory belonging to Europe’s largest coffin maker, OGF, in eastern France, workers are doing overtime to meet demand from families parting with their loved ones.

“Due to the epidemic, we decided to manufacture just four models of coffins that are top sellers with families” compared to the 15 types usually on offer, said factory director Emmanuel Garret.

coffin industry

The change “allowed us to optimise production”, he added. Output has risen to 410 coffins per day, compared to 370 normally. Workers are putting in nearly an extra hour per day. People have been forewarned and are ready to come in and work on Saturdays,” said Didier Pidancet, who heads up the team that selects the wood for the coffins.

France has been one of the countries worst hit by the coronavirus. We’re proud to be participating in this national effort, we’re doing our best to ensure that victims can have their final overcoat, as we say,” added Pidancet.

Like many other French companies, the factory has had difficulty obtaining protective gear for all of its employees. It had a local seamstress make masks for employees and work stations are disinfected regularly.

In otehr news – Police Minister Bheki Cele strikes again – No alcohol will be sold in South Africa

Police Minister Bheki Cele has come out guns blazing against mounting calls for the government to allow the sale of alcohol during the lockdown.

Bheki Cele

Cele said it is wrong to make alcohol the centre of the debate when people are losing their lives due to COVID-19, calling people who want the ban of the sale of alcohol to be lifted as not being “serious” about life. Read more

Source: eNCA