Does COVID-19 affect whether the funeral takes place through burial or cremation?
COVID-19 does not need to affect whether the funeral takes place through burial or cremation. Wishes of your deceased family member or friend may continue to be honored.
Is there any special funeral handling for people who died because of the coronavirus disease?
People who died from COVID-19 can be buried or cremated. But check for any additional tribal, state, local, or territorial requirements that may dictate the handling and disposition of the body of individuals who have passed from certain infectious diseases.
What actions can I take to help me cope with the loss of a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic?
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• Invite people to call you, or host conference calls with family members and friends to stay connected.• Ask family and friends to share stories and pictures with you via phone, video chat, email, text message, photo sharing apps, social media, or mailed letters.• Create a virtual memory book, blog, or webpage to remember your loved one, and ask family and friends to contribute their memories and stories.• Coordinate a date and time for family and friends to honor your loved one by reciting a selected poem, spiritual reading, or prayer from within their own households. Some cultures practice a prolonged mourning period with multiple observances, so hosting virtual events now and in-person events later may be in keeping with these practices.• Seek spiritual support from faith-based organizations, including religious leaders and congregations, if applicable.
What precautions should be taken at a funeral during the COVID-19 pandemic?
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If the deceased person had confirmed or suspected COVID-19, avoid kissing, washing, or shrouding the body before, during, and after the body has been prepared, if possible. Take precautions if participating in these activities is part of important religious or cultural practices.● Work with your cultural and religious leaders and funeral home staff to identify how to reduce exposure as much as possible.● People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and members of their household should not be involved in these activities.● People conducting these activities should wear disposable gloves (nitrile, latex, or rubber). Additional protective equipment may also be required, such as disposable and waterproof isolation gowns, face shields or goggles, and facemasks (e.g., if splashing of fluids is expected).● Following preparation of the body, safely remove gloves (and other protective equipment, if used) and throw them away.