We are committed to keeping our Members informed with the most up-to-date information. Please use safe practices and follow social distancing guidelines.

PFDA Member Only Resources

• UPDATED 12/8/20 - PPE Supplier List 
  (This is a compiled list of suppliers who claim to have PPE available to purchase.) 
• Letter to Gov. Wolf on the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution to Funeral Directors (12/3/20)
• COVID-19 Liability Release
• Reopening of some PA Counties Effective May 8th 2020 (5/4/20)
• PFDA Crematory & Refrigeration Survey Results  (4/16/20)
  
• PFDA Frequently Asked Questions During COVID-19
• Related Article from NJSFDA "The Forum" - NJSFDA COVID-19 Guidelines
  (Reprinted with permission of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association)

PFDA Memos

• New - Vaccine Requirements for CMS Facilities | IMPORTANT UPDATE (12/1/21)
• New - Updated process for a Request to Hold Human Remains for more than 10 days (9/21/21)
• Update on PA DOS Waiver Expiration Dates (8/6/21)
• Important: CDC & PA DOH Update Masking Guidance (5/14/21)
• PA Gathering Limits to Increase Effective May 17 (5/12/21)
• PA to Lift Mitigation Orders, Except Masking, on Memorial Day (5/4/21)
• New Resources for FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance (4/12/21)
• FEMA Reimbursement Consumer Letter (4/6/21)
  (Consumer Letter | FEMA FAQ to include with letter)
• FEMA Funeral Assistance to Begin on April 12 (4/2/21)
• Important Update on FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance (3/26/21)
• FEMA Issues Final Policy for COVID Funeral Reimbursement (3/24/21)
• PA Amends Face Covering Order to Align with CDC (3/23/21)
• COVID-19 Funeral Assistance through FEMA (3/19/21)
• PA Gathering Maximums to Increase Effective April 4 (3/15/21)
• FEMA Reimbursement of COVID-19 Funeral Expenses (2/11/21)
• Urgent Information on Getting Vaccinated (1/11/21)
• Important Update on PA Vaccine Plan (1/9/21)
• Employment Verification Form (1/5/21)
• Important EDRS & Death Certificate Updates (1/4/21)
• Update on Gathering Limits (12/30/20)
• Limits on Funerals for Allegheny County Members (12/23/20)
• Funeral Directors/Vaccine Status (12/22/20)
• New PA Mitigation Efforts (12/10/20)
• Update on PA Gathering Limits (11/24/20)
• New Restrictions for Philadelphia (11/16/20)
• Limits at Funerals (10/6/20)
• Crowd Limits Reinstated (10/1/20)
• Update on PA Restrictions (9/24/20)
• Member Update on Federal Judge Ruling (9/15/20)
• Memo from Kathy Ryan on limitations from Governor Wolf (7/16/20)
• Guidance for Green Counties (6/17/20)
• List of Safety Precautions for Green Counties (5/29/20)
• Recommendations for Yellow Counties (5/22/20)
• PFDA Memo on Order Providing Worker & Customer Safety Measures (4/20/20)
• Recommendations of the PFDA to Facilitate the Transfer of Deceased Patients from Nursing Homes, Long Term Care Facilitiies, and Hospice Houses (4/17/20)
• Information Regarding Financial Assistance for Funeral Directors & Application Form (4/3/20)
• Letter to Members from Kathy Ryan (3/24/20)
• Guidance From Pennsylvania Funeral Directors On Holding Funerals During COVID-19
  Public statement from PFDA President, David Peake, Jr. (3/18/20)
  
• PFDA Member Update on COVID-19 (3/16/20)

STATE Resources and Information

Breaking News

• New - IMPORTANT Updated process for a Request to Hold Human Remains for more than 10 days (9/21/21)
  
  
• Masks required indoors and at large outdoor gatherings in Philadelphia (8-11-21)
  
  
• CDC Updates Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals (7/28/21)
  
  
• FEMA Amends COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Policy (6/30/21)
  (Read FEMA Policy Change FAQs)
  
  
• PA DOH: Adult Vaccinations On Track; Mask Order To Be Lifted by June 28 (5/27/21)
  
  
• CDC & PA DOH Update Mask Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals (5/13/21)
  
  
• Wolf Admin to Increase Indoor & Outdoor Gathering Limits Effective May 17 (5/11/21)
  
  
• Wolf Admin to Lift Mitigation Orders On Memorial Day, Masking Order Once 70% of PA Adults Fully Vaccinated (5/4/21)
  
  
• PA DOH Updates Mask Guidance Following CDC Announcement (4/27/21)
  
  
• FEMA Releases COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Policy & FAQ (3/24/21)
  (Read the FAQ | Read Interim Policy)

• PA Dept. of Health Amends Universal Face Coverings Order To Align With CDC Guidance (3/22/21)
  
  
• Gov. Wolf: Effective April 4, More Options for Restaurants and Other Businesses, Mass Gathering Maximums Increase (3/15/21)
  
  - Effective April 4, revised maximum occupancy limits for INDOOR EVENTS to allow for 25% of max occupancy, regardless of venue size. Core public health measures such as face covering, social distancing, and hand hygiene still must be enforced. The 25% of max occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.
  
  -Effective April 4, revised maximum occupancy limits for OUTDOOR EVENTS to allow for 50% of max occupancy, regardless of venue size. Core public health measures such as face covering, social distancing, and hand hygiene still must be enforced. The 50% of max occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.
  
  
• Gov. Wolf Revises Mitigation Order on Gatherings and Lifts Out-of-State Travel Restrictions (3/1/21)
  - Revised maximum occupancy limits for INDOOR EVENTS to allow for 15% of max occupancy, regardless of venue size. Revised maximum occupancy limits for OUTDOOR EVENTS to allow for 20% of max occupancy, regardless of venue size.
  Core public health measures such as face covering, social distancing, and hand hygiene still must be enforced. The max indoor or outdoor occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.
  
  - Out-of-state travel restrictions were rescinded today. Previous restrictions required travelers provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or place themselves in quarantine for 14 days upon entering PA.
  
  
• PA DOH Releases Updated Vaccine Plan (1/19/21)
  - Read the revised plan (Version 5)
  - "mortuary" noted on page 13; remains in Phase 1A
  - Phase 1A now includes anyone over 65 and people ages 16-64 with serious medical conditions
  (*Note: Philadelphia is a separate vaccine jurisdiction and has its own vaccine information and plan.)
  
  
• PA Dept. of Health Releases "Vaccine Provider Map" (1/11/21)
  - View the Vaccine Provider Map (Click location pins for contact information)
  
  
• PA Dept. of Health Releases Updated PA COVID-19 Vaccine Plan (Version 4) (1/8/21)
  - Read the revised plan
  - See "mortuary" on page 13 under Phase 1A definition of "Healthcare Personnel"
  
  
• Gov. Wolf Announces Lifting of Time Limited Mitigation on Jan. 4., Dashboard to Track Progress of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution (12/30/20)
  - Read mitigation orders that are back in effect as of Jan. 4 at 8:01 AM
  - Indoor gatherings and events, including funerals, are limited to 10% of Max Occupancy for 0-2,000 people.
  - Outdoor gatherings and events, including graveside/cemetery services, are limited to 15% of Max Occupancy for 0-2,000 people.
  - *As noted in SRN 2020-09: "Further, to align with the Governor's guidance for gatherings in Pennsylvania, the Secretary of Health's orders for mitigation and enforcement requirements for events and gatherings also applies to funeral services."
  - There is no state issued guidance on rotating groups.
  
  
• Updated PA COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan (Rev. 12/11/20)
  - "Mortuary care for deceased COVID persons" noted on page 14
  
  
• Gov. Wolf, Sec. of Health Announce New Protective Mitigation Efforts to Put Pennsylvania on Pause through Early January - (Effective Sat., Dec.12th, through 8:00 AM, Mon., Jan. 4th (12/10/20)
  
  
• Delaware County Announces Additional Mitigation Efforts (11/30/20)
  
  
• Wolf Administration Announces New Mitigation Efforts (11/23/20)
     - Mitigation & Enforcement Order
     - Retail Food Services Mitigation Order
     - Stay at Home Advisory
     - Public School Attestation Order
     - Elective Procedures Order
• PA Releases COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan (11/19/20)
  - Funeral Directors: See Page 12 
• Allegheny Co. COVID-19 Related Stay-at-Home to Stop Social Gatherings Advisory (11/18/20)
• Wolf Admin. COVID-19 Announcements on Health System, Traveler Testing, Masking Order, and Colleges and Universities (11/17/20)
• Guidance for Funerals - Philadelphia Department of Public Health (11/16/20)
• Philadelphia Issues "Safer at Home" COVID-19 Restrictions Effective Nov. 20 - Jan. 1 (11/16/20)
• Pennsylvania can resume limiting crowd sizes during pandemic, appeals court says (10/1/20)

Cemetery/Crematory Updates

• Cremation Update - Ivy Hill Cemetery Company - Philadelphia (4/22/20)

Governor's Office

• Gov. Wolf: Effective April 4, More Options for Restaurants and Other Businesses, Mass Gathering Maximums Increase (3/15/21)
• Gov. Wolf, Sec. Levine Amend Guidelines On Safe Gathering Limits (10/6/20)
            (Business Safety Order, Worker Safety Order, Masking Order)
• Wolf Administration Announces Targeted Mitigation Efforts in Response to Recent COVID Case Increases (7/15/20)
  (Read Governor's Order | Read Secretary of Health's Order)
• Mask-Wearing is Required and Critical to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 (7/5/20)
• Gov. Wolf: Eight More Counties Going to Green on June 19 (6/12/20)
• Wolf Administration Outlines Impacts of Ending Disaster Declaration (6/10/20)
• Gov. Tom Wolf extends PA stay-at-home order to May 8 but plans to ease some restrictions
• Gov. Wolf: Health Sec. Signs Order Providing Worker Safety Measures to Combat COVID-19 (4/15/20)
  (Read the order | FAQs on Workplace Safety Order - See Page 7 for Funeral Home Q&A)
• Gov. Wolf lifts sales tax prepayment requirements for 3 months (4/14/20)
• Governor Wolf and Secretary of Health Expand 'Stay at Home' Order Statewide, Extend School Closures Indefinitely (4/1/20)
• Wolf Administration Updates Businesses on Guidance for COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts (3/17/20)

PA Department of Community and Economic Development

• COVID-19 PPE & Supplies B2B Interchange Directory - (N95, Fabric, Surgical, and other Masks)
• COVID-19 Resources for Businesses, Communities, and Local Governments

PA Department of Health

• PA DOH: Adult Vaccinations On Track; Mask Order To Be Lifted by June 28 (5/27/21)
  
• PA DOH Updates Mask Guidance Following CDC Announcement (4/27/21)
  
• PA DOH SRN - COVID-19 Funeral Assistance from FEMA (4/9/21)
  
• PA Dept. of Health Amends Universal Face Coverings Order To Align With CDC Guidance (3/22/21)
  
• PA DOH/BHSR Releases Three State Registrar Notices and Three Quick Reference Sheets (1/4/21)
  - Update to SRN 2019-15 - Additional Death Certificate Design Now Available
  - SRN 2021-01 - Ordering Death Certificates through EDRS
  - SRN 2021-02 - EDRS Only Local Registrars Districts
  - QRS-2063-FH Ordering Death Certificates through EDRS
  - QRS-2064-FH Checking the Status of a Death Certificate
  - QRS-2065-FH Adding Comments to a Death Certificate
  
  
• PA DOH COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard & Information
• Updated PA COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan - (Rev. 12/11/20)
  - "Mortuary care for deceased COVID persons" noted on page 14
• Important SRN: 2020-09, COVID-19 Prevention Methods for Funeral Directors (12/11/20) 
  This State Registrar Notice, initially issued on March 19, 2020 and last amended Oct. 8, has been amended on 12/11/20 to update the sections entitled COVID-19 Mitigation Methods to be Used by Funeral Homes, and Local Registrar Services. Amended text is red.
• Status of Vital Records Public Offices
• View All PA State Registrar Notices
  
• Delaware County Announces Additional Mitigation Efforts (11/30/20)
• Wolf Administration Announces New Mitigation Efforts (11/23/20)
  - Mitigation & Enforcement Order
  - Retail Food Services Mitigation Order
  - Stay at Home Advisory
  - Public School Attestation Order
  - Elective Procedures Order
  
  
• Updated Order of the Sec. of the PA Dept. of Health Requiring Universal Face Coverings(Effective 11/18/20)
• Order of the Sec. of the PA Dept. of Health for Mitigation Relating to Travel (Effective 11/20/20)
• Universal Face Coverings Order FAQ
• PA Dept. of Health COVID-19 Updates
• View COVID-19 Daily Briefings by PA Dept. of Health
• PA Dept. of Health - COVID-19 Online Complaint Form
• Instructions for Home Made Masks

PA Department of State

• New - IMPORTANT Updated process for a Request to Hold Human Remains for more than 10 days (9/21/21)
• PA Waives Certain Requirements for Funeral Resident Interns (4/2/20)
• Temporary Waiver Extending 10 Day Rule to 30 Days (3/30/20)
• All PA Waived and Suspended Licensing Regulations
• Military Funeral Honors continue despite COVID-19 limitations (3/30/20)

PA County Coroner Notices

• Delaware County - Medical Examiners Office - Procedures for Release from the New Facility (5/8/20)
• Montgomery County Coroner's Office:
  - Guidelines for Montgomery County Based Decedent Surge Site During 2020 COVID-19 Emergency (4/23/20)
  - Montgomery County Coroner Information & Recommendations for Funeral Homes with COVID-19 Deaths (3/17/20)
  (Note: If you're outside of Montgomery County, please seek the guidance from your county coroner on COVID-19 deaths.)
  
• York County Coroner Update (3/23/20)

Religious Entities

• Updated Guidelines for Funerals from the Greater Philadelphia Board of Rabbis (5/7/20)
• Diocese of Pittsburgh Update (3/28/20)
• Memo from Greater Philadelphia Board of Rabbis (3/27/20)

Social Security Administration

• When Should You Start Receiving Social Security Benefits (8/17/20)
• Social Security Informing you About Recent Scams (8/17/20)
• Important Information About Reaching SSA During COVID-19 Pandemic (7/20/20)
• Best Ways to Contact SSA (7/6/20) 
• Coronavirus Related Medicare Scam Alert (6/15/20)
• Update on Social Security Offices (5/12/20) 
• Action Needed for Social Security Beneficiaries with Dependents
  and Who Do Not File Tax Returns to Receive $500 Per Child Payment (4/20/20)
• Social Security Administration Field Office Locator for Office Contact Information

FEDERAL Resources and Information

AARP

• Here's what IRS says to do with payments sent to deceased (3/19/21)

CARES Act

• President Signs the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (3/30/20)

CDC

• CDC Updates Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People (4/27/21)
• CDC Updates Guidance for Cleaning Surfaces to Protect against COVID-19 (4/5/21)
• CDC Says Double-Masking Offer More Protection Against COVID-19 (2/10/21)
• CDC: "Fully Vaccinated persons who meet criteria will no longer be required to quarantine following an exposure to someone with COVID-19." (See "Summary of Recent Changes") (2/10/21)
• Postmortem Stability of SARS-CoV-2 in Nasopharyngeal Mucosa (Jan. 2021)
• CDC Guidance for Funeral Directors Handling Decedents who had COVID-19 (11/10/20)
• CDC Funeral Guidance for Individuals and Families (11/2/20)
• CDC Issues Postmortem Coronavirus Guidance (3/25/20)
• Center for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Resource Page
• CDC COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions 
• (CDC): Interim Guidance:
  (Home | Work | Community/Faith-Based Orgs | Large Events/Mass Gatherings | First Responders)
• PPE Questions and Answers
• Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities
• CDC Resources for Businesses and Employers

FEMA

• FEMA Amends COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Policy (6/30/21)
  (Read FEMA Policy Change FAQs)
  
  
• FEMA Updates Funeral Assistance Website with FAQs for Funeral Directors & Other Deathcare Providers (5/18/21)
  
  
• FEMA Releases COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Policy & FAQ (3/24/21)
   (Read the FAQ | Read Interim Policy)

OSHA

• OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
• OSHA’s COVID-19 Information Page
• OSHA Interim Guidance on COVID-19 for Deathcare Workers and Employers
• Prevent Worker Exposure to Coronavirus
• Respiratory Protection Standard
• Enforcement Memos
• VIDEO: Higher Risk Jobs Need Extra Protections to Keep Workers Safe

Veterans Affairs

• Contacting the National Personnel Records Center (5/5/21)
• VA Calling Wait Times (3/9/21)
• Delays in Obtaining Military Documents for Eligibility Determination - VA National Cemetery Administration (11/10/20)
• VA National Cemeteries Resume Committal and Memorial Services Halted by COVID-19 Pandemic (6/9/20)
• New Procedures for Witnessing Interments at VA National Cemeteries due to COVID-19 (4/13/20)
• NCA produced a video designed to explain how and why we adjusted operations. (4/3/20)
• National Cemeteries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalCemeteries
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/VANatCemeteries

US Department of Labor

• U.S. DOL Issues FAQs About Face Coverings Surgical Masks and Respirators in the Workplace (6/10/20)
• U.S. Department of Labor Adopts Revised Enforcement Policies For Coronavirus (5/20/20)
• DOL Releases Revised FFCRA Regulations on Concurrent Leave
• Department of Labor’s information
• Wage and Hour Divisions Webpage

MISC.

• New Guidance about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments for Social Security and SSI Beneficiaries
• COVID-19 Employer Frequently Asked Questions (Updated March 30, 2020)
• Employers Prepare to Provide Paid Sick Leave and FMLA under New Legislation (3/23/20)
• EPA - Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2

National Funeral Directors Association

• NFDA Supply Vendor List - (NFDA does not endorse these companies. The list is for convenience.)
• NFDA Calls Up First Volunteers For COVID-19 Funeral Home Relief Efforts (4/11/20)
• The Funeral Service Foundation has launched the COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund
• NFDA COVID-19 Info & Resources
• NFDA Scores BIG WIN for Funeral Service: Homeland Security Names Mortuary Workers as Critical Infrastructure Workers
• NFDA Key Information Resources

Sample Resources for Funeral Homes

• Customizable Coronavirus Flyer - U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Facility Signage
• Funeral Home Social Media Postings
• PA Dept. of Health Graphics and Posters
• CDC Print Resources
• COVID-19 Prevention Poster
• Video on How To Live Stream Funeral Services
• OSHA’s Publications Webpage

Supplier Memos

• Dodge Statement on COVID-19
• Dodge COVID-19 Suggested Safe Practices: Removal and Transfer
• Dodge COVID-19 Suggested Safe Practices: Embalming Protocol

Additional COVID-19 Information & Resources:

• WHO COVID-19 Webpage
• For Funeral Directors: Dealing with Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.  (3/19/20)