Category Dead Bodies of Covid 19

 People who have died from COVID-19 can be buried or

cremated.

• Confirm national and local requirements that may

dictate the handling and disposition of the remains.

• Family and friends may view the body after it has

been prepared for burial, in accordance with customs.

They should not touch or kiss the body and should

wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after the

viewing;

• Those tasked with placing the body in the grave, on

the funeral pyre, etc., should wear gloves and wash

hands with soap and water after removal of the

gloves once the burial is complete. 

Burial by family members or for deaths at home

In contexts where mortuary services are not standard or

reliably available, or where it is usual for ill people to die at

home, families and traditional burial attendants can be

equipped and educated to bury people under supervision.

• Any person (e.g. family member, religious leader)

preparing the deceased (e.g. washing, cleaning or

dressing body, tidying hair, trimming nails or

shaving) in a community setting should wear gloves

for any contact with the body. For any activity that

may involve splashing of bodily fluids, eye and

mouth protection (face shield or goggles and

medical mask) should be worn. Clothing worn to

prepare the body should be immediately removed

and washed after the procedure, or an apron or gown

should be worn;

• The person preparing the body should not kiss the

deceased. Anyone who has assisted in preparing the

body should thoroughly wash their hands with soap

and water when finished;             

• Apply principles of cultural sensitivity and ensure

that family members reduce their exposure as much

as possible. Children, older people (>60 years old),

and anyone with underlying illnesses (such as

respiratory illness, heart disease, diabetes, or

compromised immune systems) should not be

involved in preparing the body. A minimum

number of people should be involved in

preparations. Others may observe without touching

the body at a minimum distance of 1 m