COVID-19 and Infectious Disease Decedent Care: PPE for Funeral Homes

PPE for removals, embalming and cleanup with COVID-19 and other infectious disease decedents, including respirators and safe doffing.
3 min read
Removal technician in coverall, N95 and goggles beside a removal van

Short answer: Treat every decedent with standard precautions. For known or suspected COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, add a fit-tested N95 or better respirator for any task that can create aerosols (moving the body, cavity aspiration, autopsy), plus a fluid-resistant gown or coverall, double gloves and eye protection. Doff carefully and bag PPE as regulated waste where your state requires it.

Where the risk actually is

OSHA's postmortem care guidance notes that the main risk to mortuary workers comes from splashes of body fluids and from procedures that push air out of the lungs or generate aerosols. Lungs and airway can still hold infectious material after death, so moving, turning or bagging a decedent can release it.

PPE by task

Task Minimum PPE Suggested products
Removal and transfer Gloves, fluid-resistant coverall or gown, eye protection, N95 SMS hooded coverall or PE-coated coverall
Embalming Double gloves, impervious coverall or gown, sleeves, face shield over goggles, respirator Tychem 2000 QC127, QC500 sleeves
Dressing and casketing Gloves, disposable coat or coverall Embalming coat
Cleaning and disinfection Gloves, splash protection, eye protection PE coverall with hood and boots

Aerosol-generating tasks

Use a NIOSH-approved N95 or higher respirator, under a written program with medical evaluation and fit testing as required by 29 CFR 1910.134. Use powered air-purifying respirators for long procedures or staff who cannot pass a fit test. Keep the prep room door closed and ventilation running during and after the procedure.

Donning and doffing

  1. Don: coverall, respirator and seal check, goggles or face shield, hood, then gloves over the sleeves.
  2. Doff in the anteroom or at the door: outer gloves, coverall rolled inside out away from the body, inner gloves.
  3. Perform hand hygiene, then remove eye protection and the respirator by the straps.
  4. Perform hand hygiene again.

Most contamination happens during removal. A coverall one size larger is easier to roll off without touching the outside.

Other infectious diseases

The same approach applies to tuberculosis, influenza and other airborne or droplet diseases. Bloodborne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B and C are covered by the bloodborne pathogens standard. For high-consequence pathogens such as Ebola, follow current CDC and state health department instructions, which may limit embalming entirely.

PE-coated embalming coverall, hoodPE-coated embalming coverall, hoodfrom $129.95Tychem 2000 QC127Tychem 2000 QC127from $198.95SMS coverall, hoodSMS coverall, hoodfrom $89.95Tychem 2000 QC500 sleevesTychem 2000 QC500 sleevesfrom $390.95

For surge planning, see our mass fatality PPE stockpile guide.

2026 Year-End PPE Stock-Up

Mix gloves, coveralls, DuPont Tychem and embalming coats in one order. Coverall, Tychem and coat cases save 3% at 3 cases up to 10% at 20, and all PPE ships free at $1,500 to the Lower 48.

Build your PPE orderShop mortuary PPE

Frequently asked questions

Can a funeral home embalm a COVID-19 decedent?

Yes. Public health guidance has allowed embalming with standard precautions plus respiratory protection and eye protection for aerosol-generating steps. Always check current state and local health department rules.

What respirator is needed for COVID-19 decedent care?

A NIOSH-approved N95 or higher, fit tested under a respiratory protection program. A powered air-purifying respirator is an option for long procedures.

Is a surgical mask enough during embalming?

No. A surgical mask is not a respirator and does not seal to the face. Use an N95 or higher for aerosol-generating tasks.

Should embalming coveralls be disposed of after each case?

Yes. Disposable coveralls and gowns are single-use. Remove them inside out and dispose of them according to your state regulated medical waste rules.

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