The Ministry of Health and Social Security Service (CCSS) created the guidelines to follow in the handling of bodies of patients that have passed away and have been confirmed positive for Covid-19.

Even though there are no conclusive studies to determine the real risk of transmission of a dead body, the bodies of patients that have passed away for Covid-19 could constitute a biological risk and therefore there are additional measures that must be taken into consideration.

The Social Security Service (CCSS) states that just one person must be assigned to handle all the necessary paperwork and the corresponding process.

The body of the patient will be presented to the assigned person in a transparent bag so he/she can be properly identified. The body cannot be touched, kissed or held.

The person assigned will have 15 minutes to say goodbye.

Once the time is up the body will be protected with a dark cover and this is how it must be presented at the funeral. Instructions will be given by the authorities to the funeral homes and family members. The covers should not be open at any time and the casket must always remain closed, the funeral must take place in 24 hours following the death.

Bodies can be buried or incinerated. The ashes can be manipulated without these posing any risk to health.