COVID-19: death management, registration services and coroner services

Information and guidance related to death management, registration services and coroner services.


We are working as fast as we can to update this page with useful information for you.

This page collates useful links and resources regarding these three areas and should be read in conjunction with our FAQs page which has answers to specific queries we have received on death management and with our good practice page. 



If you can’t find what you are looking for here, please email [email protected] with your enquiry and we will get back to you directly.

Guidance

Guidance for those involved in managing COVID-19 deaths – this government page collates government guidance and resources relating to the death management including:

  1. Information for the general public
  2. Information for local authorities and local resilience forums
  3. Information for those who handle the deceased
  4. Information for the registration of a death
  5. Information for coroners and the coronial sector
  6. Information for those who work in the funeral, burial and cremation sector
  7. Information on relevant legislation

GOV.UK – Guidance for Protecting groundwater when developing or expanding cemeteries during coronavirus – Published on 1 May.

GOV.UK – verification of death in times of emergency – Published on 5 May.

Letters

GRO Circular 27 March 2020 – on the changes to death registration documentation and processes

Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter to local authorities to work with faith groups and funeral directors – A letter from Simon Clarke MP, Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, asking local authorities to work with faith groups and funeral directors to develop safe, sensitive and innovative ways for funerals to take place

Access to parks and public spaces, including burial grounds and cemeteries – A letter from Simon Clarke MP, Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, regarding continued access to public spaces.

Resources

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have published a Bereavement leaflet to help the public understand current changes to funeral processes. The leaflet comes in a digital and print format.

AtaLoss.org is a national charity committed to ensuring that no-one who is bereaved is left without support when they need it. They provide a website directory of local and national bereavement support adapted to current restrictions.

The Coronavirus Act made several amendments to the death registration process, the LGA has produced a useful flowchart outlining the current progress and highlighting changes made by the Act.