NFDA News Updates re Coronavirus 19 (National Funeral Directors Association)

This is a good link to watch for updates, they'll tell them when to start burning bodies

[link to www.nfda.org (secure)]


Situation Update: Wuhan Coronavirus


For Funeral Directors

NFDA has consulted with federal officials and embalming experts. At this time, they recommend that should an individual die from 2019-nCoV, funeral home personnel who will come into contact with the body should use universal precautions.

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NFDA: We’ve Got Your Back!


As part of NFDA’s ongoing commitment to you and our active involvement in federal mass-fatality management, we have been actively monitoring the situation surrounding the Wuhan Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). We are in touch with the Centers for Disease Control and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and are receiving ongoing updates about the risk posed by this virus.

As we know more about 2019-nCoV and steps you need to take to be safe, we will provide updates to you.

Background

For many years, NFDA has been actively involved with federal and state departments, agencies, and private organizations to ensure the role of funeral service in any natural or man-made mass-fatality incident is clearly defined and adequately reflected in their policies.

We have been in the forefront of advocating that the federal government and all federal agencies recognize the critical importance of a national mass-fatality management policy that addresses: the orderly recovery, identification, processing of human remains; the dignified conduct of funeral services; and respectful final dispositions.

As the recognized experts, we have worked closely with the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and others as part of various working groups, focus groups, and coalitions.

NFDA represents funeral service on the Healthcare and Public Health Sector Coordinating Council, which is part of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Program and also includes all branches of the military; federal agencies, including Federal Emergency Management Agency and DHS; and private entities focused on mass-causality and mass-fatality events. This program is part of the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.

These efforts are an ongoing priority for NFDA. Because of our ongoing involvement in these issues and the relationships we have developed with federal agencies, we are aware of incidents when they arise; we are always actively involved and monitoring and share relevant information when we have it. We are your voice and we’ve got your back!


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