Funeral professionals and others involved in deathcare often interact with deceased individuals who may carry various diseases. As part of their profession, these professionals routinely face potential infection. The coronavirus pandemic only intensified this risk. In response to the outbreak, governments published various guidelines for the safe handling of dead bodies, which offered a better understanding of COVID-19 for funeral professionals.
Related: COVID-19: The Complete Guide for Funeral Directors and Embalmers
Understanding COVID-19 and its impact on funeral services
COVID-19 presented many challenges to the deathcare industry, forcing changes in standard funeral procedures. Alterations focused on safety precautions protecting workers, particularly regarding body handling, embalming, and during gatherings at memorial services.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), in 2021, COVID-19 contributed to an increase of 543,000 deaths in the US. Funeral directors faced increased pressure on their services, necessitating them to adapt to a surge in demand while navigating ever-changing restrictions.
COVID-19 impacted funeral services in many ways. Funeral services were postponed or cancelled as part of social distancing measures. For memorials that proceeded, governments imposed strict restrictions on the number of permitted attendees. When funerals were allowed, demand for online arrangements and virtual services increased.
The Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus guidance allowed embalming to continue, provided embalmers took precautions. Safeguards included wearing the correct Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to minimize splashing and aerosolizing fluids when handling the bodies of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 victims.
However, the pandemic led to a global shortage of PPE and embalming chemicals. Between shortages and rising risk to deathcare workers and their families, the pandemic caused immense emotional strain for funeral professionals.
Safety precautions for funeral home workers
While the coronavirus pandemic might seem a distant memory to many, the CDC continues to provide updated information regarding the at-risk groups for severe COVID-19. On February 6th, 2025, they published the most recent list of at-risk underlying medical conditions.
Deathcare workers continue to address the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 for funeral professionals. They meticulously manage risks when handling the deceased by observing proper safety measures.
Personal protection equipment (PPE)
Postmortem care workers and employers are familiar with wearing the appropriate PPE. Their position risks chemical exposure, such as formaldehyde, infectious diseases like SARS and tuberculosis, and opioid poisoning.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides an occupational exposure risk pyramid to guide postmortem care sector employees. “Employers should assess the hazards to which their workers may be exposed; evaluate the risk of exposure; and select, implement, train workers about, and ensure they use controls to prevent or limit exposures.” (OSHA).
PPE protection for funeral professionals includes,
- Masks and respirators act as a barrier against inhaling airborne particles and pathogens.
- Gloves help to prevent direct contact with bodily fluids and potential pathogens.
- Gowns/aprons protect the contamination of clothing from blood, bodily fluids, or embalming chemicals.
- Eye protection, such as safety goggles or face shields, guards against splashes or airborne contaminants.
- Shoe covers keep footwear clean from contamination.
Hygiene and disinfection
Bodily fluids and tissues pose an ongoing infection risk when handling corpses suspected or confirmed of COVID-19. The hazard exists at every movement stage, from the first call transfer, whether a home, hospital, or nursing home, to transferring, to handling at the funeral home’s premises or mortuary.
Therefore, it is vital to use standard infection control precautions (SICPs), basic measures to safeguard against the spread of pathogens, and transmission-based precautions (TBPs), which are additional protections.
Dis-spray is a disinfectant and deodorizing spray used in the mortuary industry. When sprayed into the deceased’s mouth and nose and covered with cotton or a disposable face mask, it creates a barrier against possible respiratory infection.
Dis-spray remains used throughout the transferring and embalming process, including disinfecting the cot and vehicle. Additional safety measures include not opening windows, restricting the opening of doors, and limiting air conditioning and heating to reduce air turbulence and prevent the spread of contaminated particles.
Provision of information, education and training on COVID-19 for funeral professionals
Funeral service workers should keep up to date with recent guidelines and practices to stay safe in the workplace. Continuing education fills any gaps in an individual’s knowledge. Examples include hygiene protocols, such as hand hygiene, infection control, risk assessment and management, and manual handling. Information could also include the latest guidance on vaccination and health monitoring requirements.
Resources and support for mental health
When it comes to mental health, there are numerous resources regarding COVID-19 for funeral professionals. Working in a funeral home can be mentally draining and have a psychological impact on staff. As last responders, funeral workers face many stressors in the workplace, such as:
- Managing shift patterns with work-life balance
- Constant exposure to death, some of which occur in traumatic circumstances
- Dealing with families coping with grief
How COVID-19 has changed funeral services
Fortunately, the pandemic no longer threatens society, and the funeral industry can operate without adhering to lockdown guidelines. However, funeral directors acknowledge the merits of certain transformations implemented during COVID-19 and have altered how they conduct their services.
Increase in online arrangements
Traditionally, families and loved ones planned funeral arrangements face-to-face at a funeral director’s office. During the pandemic, remote working was encouraged to safeguard workers’ health, making in-person meetings impossible.
Funeral homes evolved by offering Zoom meetings and allowing consumers to select funeral plans online. This digital transformation has continued, and funeral homes are creating websites that offer considerable benefits, such as the ability to compare options and prices.
Virtual funerals
When social distancing restrictions were in place, virtual events, including live-streamed funerals, became the ‘new norm,’ allowing remote participation.
The popularity of online funerals continues to grow. They offer a way for globally dispersed families and individuals who find travelling challenging to connect and support fellow mourners and say their goodbyes to the deceased.
Increased advice and support
The lockdown period triggered widespread worry and distress. During this harrowing time, offering support services became vital to those suffering from the loss of a loved one. Funeral homes continue to offer bereavement advice, recognizing its value to grieving individuals and its importance in building trust and a positive reputation within a community.
