Green burials adapt to protect ‘death care’ workers in the time of pandemic

As health care workers battle a pandemic with a limited supply of personal protective equipment, the problem persists for those who bury the pandemic’s dead.

LOS ANGELES – As health care workers battle a pandemic with a limited supply of personal protective equipment, the problem persists for those who bury the pandemic’s dead.

Concerned about the safety of embalmers, morticians and other death care workers, some leading health officials have issued new guidelines for green burials – where bodies are laid to rest in a way that has the smallest impact on the earth.

Major health organizations have deemed green burials safe but differ on embalming during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization states “Embalming is not recommended to avoid excessive manipulation of the body.” However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and California’s guidelines say embalming is safe with proper personal protective equipment. Read more. >>