FAQs on After-Death Body Care, After-Death Vigils, Viewings and Funerals from the Professionals
Below are some pertinent FAQs from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). These guidelines may evolve; check the links for the latest information daily. See CDC Covid-19 Guidelines and NFDA Covid-19 Guidelines for Visitations and Funerals.
Q. What are the current restrictions guest at a funeral in New Hampshire?
A. The governor has set a guideline of no more than 50 participants at an outdoor funeral.
Q. Am I at risk if I go to a funeral or visitation service for someone who died of COVID-19?
A. There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of COVID-19. (Please note: While visitation is deemed safe regarding transmission from the deceased, with more states issuing stay in place orders, gathering for a funeral or visitation may not be possible.)
Q. Am I at risk if I touch someone who died of COVID-19 after their death?
A. COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning how it spreads. The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to mainly spread from close contact (i.e., within about 6 feet) with a person who is currently sick with COVID-19. The virus likely spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory infections spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. This type of spread is not a concern after death.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
People should consider not touching the body of someone who has died of COVID-19. Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. There may be less of a chance of the virus spreading from certain types of touching, such as holding the hand or hugging after the body has been prepared for viewing. Other activities, such as kissing, washing, and shrouding should be avoided before, during, and after the body has been prepared, if possible. If washing the body or shrouding are important religious or cultural practices, families are encouraged to work with their community cultural and religious leaders and funeral home staff on how to reduce their exposure as much as possible. At a minimum, people conducting these activities should wear disposable gloves. If splashing of fluids is expected, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required (such as disposable gown, face shield or goggles and facemask).
Cleaning should be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.). Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. After removal of PPE, perform hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Soap and water should be used if the hands are visibly soiled.
Q. What do Funeral Home workers need to know about handling decedents who had COVID-19?
A. A funeral or visitation service can be held for a person who has died of COVID-19. Funeral home workers should follow their routine infection prevention and control precautions when handling a decedent who died of COVID-19.
After cleaning and removal of personal protective equipment, perform hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not available. Soap and water should be used if the hands are visibly soiled.
Decedents with COVID-19 can be buried or cremated, but check for any additional state and local requirements that may dictate the handling and disposition of the remains of individuals who have died of certain infectious diseases. [See full CDC Covid-19 Guidelines for additional guidance to Funeral Home staff on disinfecting body bags, embalming, and other technical procedures.]
Q. Is it possible to bury in a green cemetery, or bury at all?
A. Yes. Please go to NFDA Cremation and Burial, the Green Burial Council, and the Conservation Burial Alliance for more detailed information.
Q. What are the current restrictions guest at a funeral in New Hampshire?
A. The governor has set a guideline of no more than 50 participants at an outdoor funeral.
Q. Am I at risk if I go to a funeral or visitation service for someone who died of COVID-19?
A. There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of COVID-19. (Please note: While visitation is deemed safe regarding transmission from the deceased, with more states issuing stay in place orders, gathering for a funeral or visitation may not be possible.)
Q. Am I at risk if I touch someone who died of COVID-19 after their death?
A. COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning how it spreads. The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to mainly spread from close contact (i.e., within about 6 feet) with a person who is currently sick with COVID-19. The virus likely spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory infections spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. This type of spread is not a concern after death.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
People should consider not touching the body of someone who has died of COVID-19. Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. There may be less of a chance of the virus spreading from certain types of touching, such as holding the hand or hugging after the body has been prepared for viewing. Other activities, such as kissing, washing, and shrouding should be avoided before, during, and after the body has been prepared, if possible. If washing the body or shrouding are important religious or cultural practices, families are encouraged to work with their community cultural and religious leaders and funeral home staff on how to reduce their exposure as much as possible. At a minimum, people conducting these activities should wear disposable gloves. If splashing of fluids is expected, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required (such as disposable gown, face shield or goggles and facemask).
Cleaning should be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.). Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. After removal of PPE, perform hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Soap and water should be used if the hands are visibly soiled.
Q. What do Funeral Home workers need to know about handling decedents who had COVID-19?
A. A funeral or visitation service can be held for a person who has died of COVID-19. Funeral home workers should follow their routine infection prevention and control precautions when handling a decedent who died of COVID-19.
After cleaning and removal of personal protective equipment, perform hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not available. Soap and water should be used if the hands are visibly soiled.
Decedents with COVID-19 can be buried or cremated, but check for any additional state and local requirements that may dictate the handling and disposition of the remains of individuals who have died of certain infectious diseases. [See full CDC Covid-19 Guidelines for additional guidance to Funeral Home staff on disinfecting body bags, embalming, and other technical procedures.]
Q. Is it possible to bury in a green cemetery, or bury at all?
A. Yes. Please go to NFDA Cremation and Burial, the Green Burial Council, and the Conservation Burial Alliance for more detailed information.
