China orders remains of coronavirus patients to be cremated nearby

The remains of patients infected with the novel coronavirus should be cremated close to where they are, and funeral traditions such as a farewell ceremony are banned, Chinese authorities said.

The remains of infected patients shall not be transported among different provincial-level regions, and not be preserved by burial or other means, according to a trial guideline jointly issued by the general offices of the National Health Commission, the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security.

The bodies should be disinfected and placed in a sealed bag by medical workers as required, which are not allowed to be opened after sealing.

Funeral homes should send special personnel and vehicles to deliver the bodies according to the designated route, and the bodies should be cremated in designated cremators, the guideline stressed.