COVID-19 Coronavirus
For the latest information, resources, and guidance related to coronavirus (COVID-19), visit ct.gov/coronavirus.
Postmortem Care Information on COVID 19 for Funeral Directors and Medical Staff
The CDC has released a document outlining guidance for handling individuals who have died or are suspected to have died from COVID-19 (coronavirus). While the guidance focuses on collecting specimens and conducting autopsies, the CDC notes, "The guidance can be utilized by medical examiners, coroners, pathologists, [and] other workers [e.g., Funeral Directors] involved in postmortem care."
Deaths due to COVID 19 are reportable to the State. The Connecticut OCME will not be taking jurisdiction on deaths that already have been diagnosed with COVID 19. These deaths may be certified as: Complications of Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) Respiratory Infection. Contributing conditions may be listed in Part 2 of the death certificate.
Per the National Funeral Directors Association:
Any funeral home staff coming in contact with a decedent with confirmed or suspected coronavirus will want to pay particular attention to the section titled “Autopsy Procedures,” which would most closely apply to embalming. This section includes guidance on safe work practices, engineering controls, and PPE usage.
Funeral directors will also want to review the section “Cleaning and Waste Disposal Recommendations” for guidance on how to properly clean and disinfect their embalming room and instruments.
This guidance also contains contact information for the CDC’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The staff at the EOC is best equipped to answer questions about how funeral homes can safely care for an individual with confirmed or suspected coronavirus.
Please click HERE to view the guidance document titled "Interim Guidance for Collection and Submission of Postmortem Specimens from Deceased Persons Under Investigation (PUI) for COVID-19, February 2020."
More information is available at the CDC FAQ regarding COVID-19 and Funerals.