The California Department of Health has issued an All Facilities Letter (AFL) providing guidance for healthcare facilities handling deceased persons with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. The letter outlines general guidelines for workers, including infection control practices, respiratory protection, and decontamination procedures. It also provides specific guidance for postmortem handling, collection of specimens, and autopsies, detailing the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for each situation. The AFL emphasizes that COVID-19 transmission is not a concern when handling human remains or performing postmortem procedures, as long as aerosol-generating procedures are avoided. Healthcare facilities must immediately report any deaths or impending deaths from COVID-19 to their local health department and district office. The letter also directs facilities to consult the CDC Interim Guidance for Collection and Submission of Postmortem Specimens for further information.

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