Post-Mortem Care and Funeral Services at the Uncertain Times of Covid-19 Pandemic: Focusing on Various Communicating Risks

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically transformed funeral practices in South Korea. While society largely focused on the deceased and their families, much less attention was paid to funeral directors, who managed these services under highly risky and uncertain conditions. This study highlights the communication failures from medical and governmental authorities that left funeral directors without essential guidance to safely manage post-mortem care during the pandemic. Interviews with South Korean funeral directors revealed that insufficient communication from public health agencies and a lack of clear protocols significantly increased the uncertainty and risks they faced. The absence of guidelines forced funeral directors to interpret procedures independently, raising the risk of unsafe practices. These challenges continue beyond the pandemic, as funeral directors struggle with inconsistent or missing information about managing infectious disease deaths. The study also highlights disparities in resources based on funeral directors' affiliations. Those working for funeral service companies, often operating on a mobile basis, were largely excluded from public health training, increasing their vulnerability and uncertainty. By contrast, funeral directors in funeral halls, particularly those affiliated with large hospitals, benefited from infection control training. However, even they reported communication challenges with governmental agencies during the pandemic. The findings stress the urgent need for stronger communication and collaboration between the medical and funeral sectors to better manage post-mortem care in future pandemics. Proactive risk management strategies, clearer communication channels, and more equitable access to training and resources are essential to reduce uncertainty and ensure funeral directors are well-prepared to handle infectious disease deaths safely in the future.