Updated near the end of May 2020, the National Funeral Directors Association offers guidance on the cremation and burial of those diagnosed with COVID-19. Their guidelines follow closely to the recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See below for more details and resources.
The following information has been taken directly from the NFDA’s website.
- At this time, the CDC states that decedents with COVID-19 may be buried or cremated according to the family’s preferences. However, you should “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.”
Graveside Service Recommendations from the National Concrete Burial Vault Association
- As states begin revising their executive orders and slowly lifting restrictions, our colleagues at the National Concrete Burial Vault Association have adjusted their graveside service equipment recommendations. The NCVBA reminds you that you should comply with all state and local mandates when setting up graveside services. You can find the updated guidance here.
- Your local and/or state public health officials may be making recommendations for the care of decedents and/or public gatherings that are more stringent than what the CDC and federal government have recommended. In these cases, you should defer to your state and/or local public health officials.
Resources
The CDC has advised if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and/or develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. If you are concerned about a potential exposure, this risk assessment for healthcare personnel (HCP) from the CDC may be useful.
State Laws
- Currently, NFDA is not aware of any state laws requiring cremation for the remains of a decedent who died of a communicable disease. There may be authority for a State Public Health Department to require cremation in case of communicable disease, but no law mandates it. Stay abreast of any rules and regulations that are required by your state.
- At this time, the CDC states that decedents with COVID-19 may be buried or cremated according to the family’s preferences. However, you should “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.”
Additional Instructions
In these uncertain times, it is important for all industries to remain aware and knowledgeable regarding COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations. This is particularly crucial for those working in the funeral care industry, as it affects not only the protection and health of their staff but also the family members of the deceased attending any memorial services. For more information, please see the NFDA’s Cremation and Burial posting. They provide details on the CDC’s guidance on death certificates, shipping cremated remains as well as information regarding veteran cemeteries, and more.