BRIEF CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE IMPACT OF THE NEW CORONAVIRUS ON FUNERALS: THE FRENCH EXAMPLE
BRIEF CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE IMPACT OF THE NEW CORONAVIRUS ON FUNERALS: THE FRENCH EXAMPLE

Summary/Abstract: Following the declaration by the World Health Organization on 30 January 2020 of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the French High Council of Public Health (HCPH) was asked by the General Directorate for Health – which prepares the public health policy – to issue safety and security recommendations on the management of confirmed cases of infection with the new coronavirus. A few days later, HCPH was asked to answer additional questions and make recommendations concerning in particular the action to be taken in the event of the death of a patient infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In view of the knowledge available in February and the still emerging nature of the virus, the first opinion, dated 18 February 2020, recommended maximalist measures. Due to the evolution of knowledge, the epidemic and the number of deaths, on 24 March 2020, the HCPH issued a new opinion which replaced the previous one. The latter recalls that, in the care of deceased persons, strict compliance with hygiene rules and physical distance measures must be observed, but also to respect – in their diversity – the cultural and social practices around the body of a deceased person, especially with regard to the ritual cleansing of the body by persons designated by the next of kin, as well as the possibility for them to see the face of the deceased before the final closing of the coffin. However, on 1 April 2020 a decree established that the deceased affected or probably affected by COVID-19 at the time of their death are subject to immediate encoffining, the mortuary toileting is prohibited as well as any conservation (thanatopraxy) care. In view of the foregoing, this short paper examines the impact of the current pandemic on funerals from the perspective of French legislation, without overlooking some aspects of comparative law.

• Details
• Contents