Accurate information about funerals in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic is available online from the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF).

It recently launched the Care and Inform online hub and is also developing a bereavement helpline, which it expects to be up and running by next week.

The online resource aims to provide people with reliable and up-to-date information on end-of-life and bereavement care in these exceptional times. The information on the hub is in line with HSE and Government guidance practices and will be continually updated.

Currently, only a very limited number of people are able to attend funerals with strict restrictions in place, and this is having a major impact on those who are grieving the loss of loved ones, and those wishing to pay their last respects.

The online resource offers information on a number of topics, such as arranging a funeral and supporting people who are grieving.

"This is a very overwhelming and upsetting time for us all, but for those facing death and grieving, it is particularly difficult. The COVID-19 restrictions on physical distancing and cocooning mean our traditional ways of grieving and showing our respects are no longer possible.

"We hope this information hub will provide clear information for people so they can support themselves and others as we try and find new ways to navigate grief and loss in this extremely uncertain time," explained IHF chief executive, Sharon Foley.

The online resource can be viewed here. The IHF's bereavement helpline, which is being developed in conjunction with the HSE, is expected to go live by April 21. Its number and hours of operation will be announced shortly.