Switzerland’s biggest crematorium is bracing itself for a renewed spike in coronavirus deaths as new variants of the virus drive up infection rates around the country, while striving to maintain the conditions for saying peaceful goodbyes.

“We were stretched to our limit,” said Rolf Steinmann, head of the funeral and cemetery office in Zurich. “Not just because of the number of deaths, but also because the uncertainty took its toll. We never knew when there would be a break in the numbers or if they would continue to rise,” he told Reuters.

“It is important for family members to have their chance to say good-bye,” said Steinmann, who has been in charge of the service for nine years. “It can be more peaceful and less traumatic, especially if the last time they saw the person they were in intensive care. It helps with the grieving process.”