GUIDELINES FOR SAFE TRANSPORTATION OF REMAINS OF PERSONS SUSPECTED TO HAVE DIED OF COVID-19
Guideline · Transport
Guidelines specify infection prevention measures for handling and transporting remains of persons suspected to have died from COVID-19. They target mortuary staff, funeral providers, transportation companies, and families. This prevents virus transmission while ensuring dignified treatment of the deceased.
GUIDELINES FOR SAFE TRANSPORTATION OF REMAINS OF PERSONS SUSPECTED TO HAVE DIED OF COVID-19
What Is This Policy?
Technical guidelines specifying infection prevention and control measures for the safe handling, packaging, and transportation of the remains of persons who have died of confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
Who Does It Target?
Mortuary and hospital staff Funeral service providers and embalmers Transportation companies handling deceased persons Families of deceased COVID-19 patients
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Prevent transmission of COVID-19 during post-mortem care, preparation, and transportation of remains, while ensuring dignified handling of the deceased.
Key Features
PPE Requirements: Specifies mandatory PPE including full-body coveralls, N95 masks, gloves, and face shields for all persons handling COVID-19 remains. Packaging Standards: Requires remains to be double-bagged in impermeable body bags before placement in a coffin or container. Transportation Protocols: Sets out vehicle disinfection requirements and documentation for transportation of remains. Family Guidance: Provides guidance on how families may safely pay their respects while minimising transmission risk.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Implemented across mortuaries and funeral services during the pandemic Coverage: Nationwide Beneficiaries: Mortuary workers, funeral service providers, families of the deceased, and the public Funding: Federal Ministry of Health
How to Access
Mortuaries and funeral homes must train staff and procure required PPE before handling COVID-19 remains Families must be briefed on protocols by the treating facility Application method: Healthcare facilities and mortuaries implement automatically; families are guided by facility staff.
Important Terms
Viewing of remains in an open coffin is discouraged Remains should not be washed or touched without protective equipment Burial should occur promptly
Official Resources
Website: https://www.ncdc.gov.ng Contact: Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
Legal Framework
Issued under the authority of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) pursuant to the NCDC Act 2018. Operates alongside the National Health Act 2014, the Quarantine Act (Cap Q2 LFN 2004), the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, and the WHO Guidelines on Infection Prevention and Control for COVID-19. Aligns with IATA guidelines on the transport of human remains.