Guidance

COVID-19: guidance for care of the deceased

Advice to assist people required to manage bodies of deceased persons infected with coronavirus (COVID-19).

This publication was withdrawn on

This guidance has been superseded by Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on handling the deceased with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Documents

Details

This guidance contains information for those managing a death in the community, secondary care, residential care and adult social care settings. It also contains information for staff and appropriately trained volunteers who manage deceased people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Published 31 March 2020
Last updated 14 March 2022 + show all updates
  1. Updated information for staff who manage the deceased.

  2. Updated with advice for volunteers with underlying conditions, and staff, to self-isolate because of a recent close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.

  3. Updated to reflect the end of the shielding programme.

  4. Updated in line with changes to Step 4 of the roadmap.

  5. Updated links to Guidance for managing a funeral, updated advice to those at higher risk of severe disease.

  6. Updated to reflect current legislation and added links to guidance on working safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  7. Updated self-isolation period to 10 days.

  8. Changed stay at home period from 7 to 10 days.

  9. Added a loss of, or change in, the normal sense of taste or smell as a COVID-19 symptom.

  10. Added clarification on guidance and legislation.

  11. Updated guidance on sharing information with others, residual risk of infection from the deceased and the use of body bags, and the use of PPE for those who are responsible for care of the deceased.

  12. Added translated versions of guidance.

  13. First published.