COVID-19 – Guidance for Coroners on COVID-19 deaths

Concerns have been raised, not least by the bereaved families of key-workers in the frontline, about the possible link between workplace exposure to coronavirus and COVID-19 deaths.  The Chief Coroner has now published his Guidance Note No 37 on whether, and how, coronial investigations into such deaths should be opened.  This development highlights the likelihood that Coroners’ Courts will be the first fora in which issues over the adequacy and quality of the protection available to workers (whether by PPE or workplace procedures) will be investigated publicly.  Given the significance of such issues, it is essential that organisations are prepared for such investigations and inquests.

Read more in this alerter by Toby Riley-Smith QC