Protocol for handling and disposal of the dead bodies in covid-19

Abstract

COVID 19 is an acute respiratory illness caused by COVID 19 virus that directly affects the lungs. Based on current pieces of evidence and researches, the COVID 19 virus is transmitted between peoples and communities through droplets, fomites and close contact with an infected person, with possible spread with faeces. It is not an airborne disease. As this is a new virus whose sources and disease progression are not yet totally clear. Except in cases of hemorrhagic fever such as Ebola, Marburg and cholera, dead bodies are not infectious. Only those patients having lung disease-causing pandemic influenza, if handled improperly during an autopsy, can be infectious. Otherwise, cadavers do not transmit diseases. It is a generally common myth that a person who has died from the communicable disease should be cremated, but this is not true. To date there is no evidence of a person has become infected from exposure and contact with bodies of persons who died from COVID 19. The safety and wellbeing of everyone who tends to handle the bodies should be the priority. WHO, Ministry of Health, Family welfare has given some important guidelines on handling dead bodies in hospital setups, with the standard of precautions. They also have given guidelines on the transportation of bodies, autopsy, environmental cleaning. Before contact with bodies, health care worker should ensure that necessary hand hygiene and personal protective equipment are being used. Hasty disposal of a dead from COVID 19 should be avoided.