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COVID-19 Funeral and Mortuary Science Guidance

The Georgia Department of Public Health has updated their guidance for Funeral Service. It is important to review the entire guidance, including infection control, general guidance, and additional resources. The updated DPH guidance may be viewed by opening the file below. We encourage you to print it for your staff. We have received numerous inquiries about the general guidance and have included it below for your quick reference.  

General Guidance for Funerals

• Attendees should stay 6 feet away from others, wear cloth face coverings, wash/sanitize hands frequently, and avoid direct contact like handshakes, hugging, and kissing at the service or funeral regardless of if a person is fully vaccinated* for COVID-19 or not to protect others who are not vaccinated.
• There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who has died of COVID-19. However, people should consider not touching the body of someone who has died of COVID-19.
• People who were in recent contact with the deceased and may have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 should not attend unless they have been fully vaccinated* prior to their exposure.
• People who are part of an at-risk group (people who are older or have severe underlying health conditions), should stay home unless they are fully vaccinated* for COVID-19. People in this group that are vaccinated should still social distance and wear face coverings.
• People who feel sick should stay home.
• Funeral homes should:
• Consider offering livestreaming as an option for these services/viewings;
• Discourage families from providing food or beverages;
• Supply tissues and alcohol-based hand rubs for the families to use; and
• Stock an adequate supply of soap and paper towels in the restrooms.

Ultimately, funeral homes should determine how to best balance this guidance with the needs of their families. Each funeral home should develop a plan to manage challenges presented by the current situation. COVID-19 is a novel illness, and health officials are still learning more about the disease as it continues to spread in our communities. Funeral home managers should stay up to date regarding current COVID-19 recommendations to protect their staff and families of the deceased.

*Fully vaccinated for COVID-19 means that 14 days have passed since an individual has received their second COVID-19 vaccine in a two dose COVID-19 vaccine series or their first vaccine in a one dose COVID-19 vaccine series.

COVID-19 Testing in Georgia  

• Find a Public Health Testing Locations 
  

• Commercial Testing Locations

The content in the COVID-19 Test Site Finder below is provided and maintained by Castlight: COVID-19 Resource Center. The private testing sites are not endorsed, vetted, or managed by DPH. Individual test providers can set their own testing fee. Ask about the cost, availability, and requirements for testing when you call for an appointment.

If You're Sick or Exposed to COVID-19

• Identify Your Contacts

• Isolate if Sick

• Quarantine if Exposed
  

Contact your Department of Public Health Office to notify of PPE needs.

It is important to contact your county’s office directly to inquire about their capabilities to issue death certificate and local mandates or orders which may affect your business.

In addition, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, with the assistance of the Georgia Department of Public Health, continues to request PPE supplies through the Federal system.  To notify officials of your PPE needs: 

• Contact your local health department.  Some areas may refer you to another contact and it is important to follow their instructions.    
• Following this process is important as it ensures a central line of communication to accurately track the need counts for Georgia and ensures accurate requests to the Federal level. 
  
• Remember, resources will be allocated to the 'hot spots' throughout the country and state.

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