The rule published on the DGS website, issues a set of guidelines for professionals who have to deal with the corpses of patients who die with Covid-19, or when even without confirmation they suspect that this was the cause of death, and should in the latter if biological samples are taken before sending the body to the mortuary, which will then be subjected to analysis.

“It is essential that professionals who perform funerals and everyone else involved in handling the body, be informed about the potential risk of infection, including family members,” reads the note, which requires reducing the accumulation of corpses and prohibits embalming.

Even though it is not mandatory, DGS says that the bodies should “preferably” be cremated, but when this does not happen, the bodies, which must always be packed in waterproof bags, remain in a closed coffin, with families also prohibited from opening them.

DGS also determines strict standards of hygiene and personal protection for those who have to handle the body, imposing the use of waterproof material, surgical masks and goggles.

Family members should look for information on the potential risk of infection and “fully comply with the guidelines received”.