Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
March 12, 2020
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is reaching out due to the questions and inquiries regarding appropriate precautions with handling decedents who are suspected of or have confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19).
The CDC provides guidance specifically for funeral home industries, which can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#funerals
Printout of CDC Guidance for Funeral Homes
The OCME is following universal precautions and requiring N95 masks to be worn by OCME staff when handling all decedents, regardless of confirmed COVID-19. It is up to your office or organization to the extent of PPE that is required when handling remains. If you transport to the OCME or pick up a decedent from the OCME, please ensure that you are following your organization’s policy on appropriate personal protective equipment. The OCME does not have personal protective equipment (N95 masks) that is available for your office or organization due to financial constraints.
Would you be able to assist the OCME with distributing this information throughout your organization? This memo includes the same text within this email that can be distributed to the appropriate persons within your organization.
If you should have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Keshia Singleton at 804.786.3174 or keshia.singleton@vdh.virginia.gov.
Keshia Singleton
State Project Manager
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Electronic Cremation Certificate & Additional Information from OCME
Cremation Authorization Requirements for Out-of-State Donor Programs
Local Medical Examiners Authorizing Cremation Need OCME ID
Contact Information Central District Phone (804) 786-3174 Fax (804) 371-8595 OCME_CENT@vdh.virginia.gov Tidewater Eastern District Phone (757) 683-8366 Fax (757) 683-2589 OCME_TIDE@vdh.virginia.gov Western District Phone (540) 561-6615 Fax (540) 561-6619 OCME_WEST@vdh.virginia.gov Northern District Phone (703) 764-4640 Fax (703) 764-4645 OCME_NOVA @vdh.virginia.gov