Focused on Elevating the Standards of Funeral Service and Public Welfare through Education and Training for Embalmers
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
The AGEG Board of Directors encourage all funeral service professionals to follow Federal and State orders, CDC guidance, and best practices. It is important to review guidance and information so you may continue to safely serve your families and community.
AGEG continues to monitor federal, state, and other agencies for new or revised information and guidance regarding COVID-19. While we do our best to post guidance and information in real time, the links will take you directly to the individual websites to ensure the most accurate and timely information is accessible.
COVID-19 Guidance and Information
AGEG members are updated by email and this page is updated as guidance and information becomes available.
For information and guidance, visit the links and drop down windows below.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Workplace COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit, Information for Employers and Employees - Essential Workers - July 29, 2021 - CLICK HERE
- When to Quarantine - July 29, 2021 - CLICK HERE
- Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People - July 28, 2021 - CLICK HERE
- When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated - July 27, 2021 - CLICK HERE
- How to Protect Yourself & Others - July 26, 2021 - CLICK HERE
- When You Can be Around Others After You Had or Likely Had COVID-19 - July 16, 2021 - CLICK HERE
- Frequently Asked Questions - July 16, 2021 - CLICK HERE
- Test for Past Infection - July 15, 2021 - CLICK HERE
- How COVID-19 Spreads - July 14, 2021 - CLICK HERE
- Community, Work, and School - July 9, 2021 - CLICK HERE
- Coronavirus Self-Checker - July 2, 2021 - CLICK HERE
- COVID-19 Testing Overview - July 2, 2021 - CLICK HERE
From the Georgia Department of Public Health
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If You're Sick or Exposed to COVID-19
- Identify Your Contacts
Each confirmed case of COVID-19 will work with trained DPH staff to identify everyone they've been in contact with to prevent additional spread of the disease.
CLICK HERE - Contact Tracing to Stop the Spread of COVID-19
- Isolate if Sick
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 infection, you must follow home isolation protocol.
CLICK HERE - Isolation Guidance
- Quarantine if Exposed
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, monitor your health for 14 days from your last possible exposure and quarantine at home.
CLICK HERE - Quarantine Guidance (CLICK HERE for a pdf)
- Isolation and Quarantine Calculator - CLICK HERE
This tool gives guidelines and helps you determine how long you should isolate and quarantine when: - You have tested positive and have symptoms
- You have tested positive but do not have symptoms
- You were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and you are not fully vaccinated for COVID-19
COVID-19 Testing in Georgia
Testing is available to all Georgians who request it, whether they have symptoms or not.
Find a Public Health Testing Location - CLICK HERE
Commercial Testing Locations - CLICK HERE
- What Does My Test Mean?
Even with a negative test result, continue to practice standard safety protocol.
CLICK HERE - Interpreting Your Results
- How Does COVID-19 Testing Work?
There are two different types of tests for COVID-19: viral tests and antibody tests.
CLICK HERE - COVID-19 Testing in Georgia
- After You Are Tested
You should isolate yourself while you wait for test results. If you have a sample taken at one of these locations, it is essential to remain at home and away from other family members as much as possible to prevent the possible spread of disease.
- COVID-19 International Travel Letter
CLICK HERE
COVID-19 Vaccines
Georgia eligibility is open for everyone 12 years of age and older for the COVID vaccine.
Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine currently approved for children aged 12 through 17.
Please schedule an appointment at CVS or Walgreens to ensure Pfizer vaccine is available.
Register for a COVID Vaccine
Health Department Scheduling - CLICK HERE
Vaccine Finder - CLICK HERE
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - CLICK HERE
At Home COVID-19 Vaccinations
Georgia residents who are currently sick, shut-in or homebound due to an ongoing physical or mental disability and are unable to travel to a COVID-19 vaccination site can request to receive vaccination at their home.
Please email HVS@dph.ga.gov or call (888) 572-0112 with the following information for the person who requires at-home vaccination:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- City
- County
- Contact phone number
Georgia CORE
Providing free COVID-19 vaccines across the state with mobile units committed to reaching all Georgians.
Health Department Vaccine
Scheduling Resource Line
- (888) 457-0186
- Monday – Friday 8 AM – 8 PM ET
- Saturday – Sunday 8 AM – 5 PM ET
COVID-19 Resources for People with Disabilities
COVID-19 Vaccine General FAQ
This information is based on currently available evidence, resources, information, emergency use authorization and expert opinion and is subject to change. As additional evidence regarding the use of COVID-19 vaccine for individuals emerges, it will be necessary to modify this content.
COVID-19 Funeral and Mortuary Science Guidance
The Georgia Department of Public Health has updated their guidance for Funeral Service. It is important to review the entire guidance, including infection control, general guidance, and additional resources. The updated DPH guidance may be viewed by opening the file to the right. We encourage you to print it for your staff. We have received numerous inquiries about the general guidance and have included it below for your quick reference.
General Guidance for Funerals
- Attendees should stay 6 feet away from others, wear cloth face coverings, wash/sanitize hands frequently, and avoid direct contact like handshakes, hugging, and kissing at the service or funeral regardless of if a person is fully vaccinated* for COVID-19 or not to protect others who are not vaccinated.
- There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who has died of COVID-19. However, people should consider not touching the body of someone who has died of COVID-19.
- People who were in recent contact with the deceased and may have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 should not attend unless they have been fully vaccinated* prior to their exposure.
- People who are part of an at-risk group (people who are older or have severe underlying health conditions), should stay home unless they are fully vaccinated* for COVID-19. People in this group that are vaccinated should still social distance and wear face coverings.
- People who feel sick should stay home.
- Funeral homes should:
- Consider offering livestreaming as an option for these services/viewings;
- Discourage families from providing food or beverages;
- Supply tissues and alcohol-based hand rubs for the families to use; and
- Stock an adequate supply of soap and paper towels in the restrooms.
Ultimately, funeral homes should determine how to best balance this guidance with the needs of their families. Each funeral home should develop a plan to manage challenges presented by the current situation. COVID-19 is a novel illness, and health officials are still learning more about the disease as it continues to spread in our communities. Funeral home managers should stay up to date regarding current COVID-19 recommendations to protect their staff and families of the deceased.
*Fully vaccinated for COVID-19 means that 14 days have passed since an individual has received their second COVID-19 vaccine in a two dose COVID-19 vaccine series or their first vaccine in a one dose COVID-19 vaccine series.
COVID-19 Funeral and Mortuary Science Guidance
Updated April 12, 2021
Click on the graphic on the left to download the file.
Georgia Resources
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Georgia Board of Funeral Service - CLICK HERE
COVID-19 INFORMATION
The Board strongly encourages licensees to continue to support one another, be mindful of potential exposure, use best practices to prevent infection and help slow the spread of COVID-19, and adhere to the terms of the Governor's Executive Orders to ensure the health, safety and welfare of both licensees and the general public.
Click HERE to see Governor Kemp's most recent Executive Orders relating to COVID-19 and the Public Health State of Emergency.
Click HERE for up to date information and guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health, including Funeral and Mortuary Science Guidance, which can be found HERE.
Click HERE for up to date information and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including information for Funeral Home Workers, which can be found HERE, and Funeral Guidance for Individuals and Families, which can be found HERE.
Click HERE for up to date information and guidance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program.
To report issues of noncompliance with any of the executive orders you should call the state's hotline at 844-442-2681. The hotline can be used for asking about symptoms related to COVID-19, finding out if someone should get tested, reporting possible scams related to COVID-19, and alerting the state about non-compliant businesses.
IMPACT ON TESTING
Pearson VUE resumed full testing on May 1, 2020, though there is limited test center capacity for scheduling to enforce social distancing. For the most up-to-date ICFSEB COVID-19 information click HERE, and for updates from Pearson VUE click HERE.
PSI test centers began reopening on May 1, 2020. Test sites are reopened where city, county, and state jurisdictions will allow, however, as the safety of candidates and PSI’s employees remain a top priority, sites will only be open for scheduling at 50% of their capacity in order to enforce social distancing procedures. PSI has also enacted a number of new policies surrounding enhanced sanitation procedures, allowable personal protective equipment for candidates, and flexible rescheduling. PSI is now mandating that ALL candidates wear face masks at all times while in the test center. If a candidate fails to bring and wear a face mask during the examination, they will be requested to leave the test site. An outline of the steps being taken to ensure candidate and employee safety can be found HERE. It is important to note that due to the backlog of candidates and testing centers operating at reduced capacity, scheduling availability may not be immediate. Situations are arising where candidates need to be rescheduled to ensure procedures are adhered to. When a cancellation must happen, PSI will begin rescheduling candidate appointments by most recently scheduled, prioritizing candidates that have held their appointments the longest. Please check your email and voicemails routinely to review any pertinent exam appointment communication from PSI and avoid unnecessary travel. For questions, PSI can be best reached at 855-744-0314.
Board Office Operations Update
Due to the continued pandemic, most Professional Licensing Boards Division staff are teleworking. However, the PLB lobby is open to visitors to drop documents off or leave messages during regular business hours. Constituents are encouraged to utilize web resources for online transactions and to answer frequently asked questions. For additional information, contact the call center at 404-424-9966.
Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) - CLICK HERE
COVID-19 Information
- CLICK HERE - Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Daily Status Report
- CLICK HERE - Administrative Orders for Public Health Control Measures
Georgia Department of Public Health - District Health Office Directory
Click on the graphic on the left to download the file.
Georgia State Office of Vital Records - CLICK HERE
Guidance for Certifying COVID-19 Deaths (May 7, 2020) - CLICK HERE
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING COVID-19
Due to the public health state of emergency surrounding COVID-19, we have suspended Vital Records walk-in services at the State Office of Vital Records until further notice. You may request birth and death records online using one of our approved third party vendors (ROVER, Go Certificates, or VitalChek) or visit your local county office. It is strongly recommended that you call first, before visiting your county office. If you would like to make a change or correction to a vital record, please mail your request, along with the required documentation, to our facility. Our mailing address is 1680 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 100, Atlanta, Georgia 30349. For all other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 404-679-4702. Our Communications Center will be open from 8:00am to 4:30pm to assist you during this time. Stay safe and be well.
**Due to the public health state of emergency surrounding COVID-19, processing times for all vital records requests may be delayed.
Governor Brian P. Kemp - CLICK HERE
Renewal of State of Emergency for Continued COVID-19 Economic Recovery
07.22.21.01
Click on the graphic on the left to download the file.
State of Emergency for Continued COVID-19 Economic Recovery Regulatory Suspensions
07.22.21.02
Click on the graphic on the left to download the file.
Additional Resources:
- Georgia’s Statewide Executive Order: Guidelines for Businesses - CLICK HERE
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
- Guidance on the Essential Ciritcal Infrastructure Workforce - CLICK HERE
- COVID-19: Hotlines and Helplines: (844) 442-2681
- COVID-19: State Services in Georgia - CLICK HERE
- Georgia Department of Economic Development - Georgia’s Statewide Executive Order: Guidelines for Businesses - CLICK HERE
- U.S. Small Business Administration - Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources - CLICK HERE
Federal & International Resources
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - CLICK HERE
- CLICK HERE for the CDC COVID-19 section
- CLICK HERE for More Resources about COVID-19
Guidelines / Information
- CLICK HERE - Funeral Guidance for Individuals and Families - Mar. 1, 2021
- On This Page
- How can communities plan for an increase in the number of deaths?
- Am I at risk if I go to a family gathering, traditional event, ceremony, or funeral for someone who died of COVID-19?
- What are the most important things to remember about COVID-19 and AI/AN funeral services or other gatherings?
- Am I at risk if I touch someone who died of COVID-19 after they have passed away?
- How can I protect myself when preparing the body of someone who died of COVID-19?
- How do you transport the body of a person who has died from COVID-19?
- Are there any special requirements for burying or cremating people who died from COVID-19?
- What do funeral home workers need to know about handling deceased who had COVID-19?
- How do you protect yourself after body preparation?
- What resources are available for burial of American Indian/Alaska Native veterans?
- CLICK HERE - COVID-19 Critical Infrastructure Sector Response Planning - Dec. 3, 2020
- CLICK HERE - Collection and Submission of Postmortem Specimens from Deceased Persons with Known or Suspected COVID-19
Dec. 2, 2020 - On This Page
- Background
- Recommended Postmortem Specimens
- Recommended Biosafety and Infection Control Practices
- Collection of Postmortem Specimens
- Submission of Specimens for COVID-19 Testing
- Cleaning and Waste Disposal Recommendations
- Handling and Transportation of Human Remains
- CLICK HERE - What do funeral home workers need to know about handling decedents who had COVID-19? - Nov. 10, 2020
- CLICK HERE - FAQs for Medicolegal Death Investigators - Nov. 2, 2020
- CLICK HERE - Optimizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Supplies - July 16, 2020
The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL)
- CLICK HERE - Counterfeit Respirators / Misrepresentation of NIOSH-Approval - May 26, 2021
- CLICK HERE - NIOSH-Approved N95 Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators - Mar. 01, 2021
- CLICK HERE - Respirator Trusted-Source Information / Ancillary Respirator Information / Fit Test FAQs
- CLICK HERE - FDA’s emergency use authorization list
- CLICK HERE - FDA’s eligibility criteria for alternatives to N95 respirators
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - CLICK HERE
- CLICK HERE - Department of Homeland Security’s Response to COVID-19
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - CLICK HERE
As always, we caution you to be aware of email and phone scams. If you receive an email which seems suspicious don't click on links or open attachments. Note the email address associated with the message or phone number associated with the call.
From FEMA - Coronavirus Rumor Control
There have been reports that scammers are pretending to be the government, contacting people by robocall, text message, email and other outreach. These scammers say they can get people financial help during the COVID-19 pandemic, and then ask for money or personal information, like your Social Security, bank account or credit card number. This is a SCAM.
Don’t trust anyone who offers financial help and then asks for money or personal information. Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. The Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, U.S. Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control staff never charge for disaster assistance.
The Federal Trade Commission scams page has tips to help you avoid scams online, on the phone, by text and through email. If you see a scam, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission: ftc.gov/complaint.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - CLICK HERE
- CLICK HERE - Emergency Temporary Standard for Healthcare - June 21, 2021
- CLICK HERE - Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace - June 10, 2021
- CLICK HERE - Postmortem Care Workers and Employers
- CLICK HERE - Prevent Worker Exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- CLICK HERE - COVID-19 Guidance on Ventilation in the Workplace
Order printed copies of OSHA COVID-19 posters and guidance booklets for your workplace. All items are free and available in multiple languages. Visit HERE, OSHA’s publications page, to place an order.
World Health Organization (WHO) - CLICK HERE
- CLICK HERE - Infection prevention and control for the safe management of a dead body in the context of COVID-19: interim guidance
- CLICK HERE - Q&A: Mass gatherings and COVID-19
- CLICK HERE - Maintaining essential health services during the COVID-19 outbreak
- CLICK HERE - Technical guidance publications
- CLICK HERE - Risk communication and community engagement
- Federal Trade Commission
- Social media is no place for COVID-19 vaccination cards - Feb. 5, 2021 - CLICK HERE
- Business owners: Latest COVID scam is directed at you - Jan. 13, 2021 - CLICK HERE
- Coronavirus.gov - CLICK HERE
- USA.gov/Coronavirus - CLICK HERE
- CombatCOVID.hhs.gov - CLICK HERE
- WhiteHouse.gov - CLICK HERE
- Biden-Harris Plan to Beat COVID-19 - CLICK HERE
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3-18-20 - Letter from the AGEG Board of Directors COVID-19
Click on the graphic on the left to download the file.
Richard Jenkins
President
Darren Ford
Vice President
Lee Mack Pierce, Jr.
Secretary
Mike Cloud
Board Member
AGEG provides COVID-19 information as a service to funeral service professionals. AGEG Members receive AGEG News emails directly with guidance, information and resources critical to their business during the pandemic.
If you are not an AGEG member and have found the information useful, we hope you will join. CLICK HERE for our 2021 membership form or contact the AGEG office.
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