Ethics Trade-Off Between Hazards Prevention and the Safeguard of Death Dignity During COVID-19.

Abstract

Urgent measures established to contain the transmission of COVID-19 and prevent biological hazards included very restrictive interventions on public Holy Masses and funerals. Italy banned any burial procedure and the decision particularly affected both catholic and islamic communities. The dignity of death and the religious competence as cultural competence during COVID-19 epidemic represent important aspects of the epidemic preparedness. This article provides relevant considerations about the topic from an ethical perspective.