CDC Releases Practical COVID-19 Guidance for Funeral Directors

NFDA continues to lead the conversation with federal officials about the role of funeral service as it relates to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. At the request of NFDA and as a followup to the postmortem guidance released by the CDC in late-February, today, the agency released specific information about funeral and visitation services to help funeral directors safely care for people who have died of confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

Specifically, this answers the following questions:

• Am I at risk if I go to a funeral or visitation service for someone who died of COVID-19?
• Am I at risk if I touch someone who died of COVID-19 after they have passed away?
• What do funeral home workers need to know about handling decedents who had COVID-19?
• What should I do if my family member died from COVID-19 while overseas and what are the requirements for returning the body to the U.S.?

In summary:

• You can still have a funeral or visitation.
• Bodies can be embalmed using proper PPE.
• Decedents can be buried or cremated, but check with state and local requirements.

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