Cremation of Covid-19 victim under guidelines of dead body management poses no threat
Ferozepur, April 13, 2020: There is no increased risk on cremation of Covid-19 patient when the instructions issued by the Health Department are strictly followed during the final cremation process of a dead body, said Dr.Navdeep Singh, Civil Surgeon.
Guidelines for dead body management towards precautions, infection prevention and control measures handling of the body and environmental disinfection have been issued by the government to follow them strictly.
Dr. Navdeep Singh said cremation and burial of the deceased person affected by the corona virus do not have any adverse effect on the body who perform the cremation. Even there is no danger from the ashes and the same can be collected for performing the last rituals. However, there is a need to take all precautionary measures as per the guidelines of the health department to ensure the use of special kit, cleaning of hands, wearing of mask and gloves and the must be performed under the supervision of experts.
In addition to the use of standard safety equipment such as water resistant openings, gloves, mask. Eye ware, special care is taken for the safe management of sharps and disinfection around them.
Dr. Navdeep Singh also said that after-death rituals such as showing relatives face-to-face reading, reading of religious rituals, sprinkling of holy water and any other rituals that do not require touching the body can be performed.
However, view of the dead body by unzipping the face end of the body bag that too by using caution by staff, can be allowed at the crematorium. He made it clear that the dead body is not allowed to be bathed, kissed and hugged. After the performing the funeral, the employees and family members must clean hands in the right way. In addition, funeral gatherings are also prohibited.
It is very unfortunate when in certain such cases, the family members have refused to perform the last rituals of Covid-19 patients and the same have to be performed by the health officials, as per the guidelines of the health department.