Technical Questions

• 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.
• 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.

Scientists and researchers have not determined how long the virus remains virulent in the body after death. We are asking the CDC and others for this information.

Emerging research suggests the virus remains active:

• Up to three hours when aerosolized
• Up to four hours on copper surfaces
• Up to 24 hours on cardboard
• From two to three days on plastic and stainless steel

According to the CDC, the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

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.

The CDC notes that symptoms, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.

The CDC has not issued a recommendation/guidance yet regarding cross-contamination risks, but we will continue to ask this question on your behalf.

The CDC does offer guidance on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in the prep room and public areas around the funeral home.

• For the prep room, products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
• For other areas of the funeral home, see Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations (CDC).

Per CDC recommendations, disinfect items when able. See: Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations (CDC).

Under HIPPA, all hospitals and health care providers have the option, but not the obligation, to disclose the cause of death or the presence of a contagious disease to the funeral home handling the body. A few states mandate the disclosure, but in most states it is not required.

That being said, you may wish to gently ask the family whether there is anything that you and your staff should be aware of so that you can take appropriate measures to protect your health and safety and that of your co-workers. 

The CDC has not issued a guidance on whether formaldehyde neutralizes the COVID-19 virus, but we will continue to ask this question on your behalf.

At this time, the CDC recommends that family members not touch, kiss or have other contact with the body of the decedent. 

COVID-19 is a new disease and the CDC is still learning how it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread in the United States. There is limited information about the impact on the virus’ impact on women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Pregnant healthcare personnel (HCP) should follow risk assessment and infection control guidelines for HCP exposed to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Adherence to recommended infection prevention and control practices is an important part of protecting all HCP in healthcare settings. Information on COVID-19 in pregnancy is very limited; facilities may want to consider limiting exposure of pregnant HCP to patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, especially during higher-risk procedures (e.g., aerosol-generating procedures) if feasible based on staffing availability.

NFDA also recommends you follow the advice of your obstetrician.