All the staff identified for handling bodies at mortuaries, in ambulances, and at cremation/burial grounds has to be ‘trained’ in infection prevention control practices. The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued “Guidelines on Dead Body Management” for handling bodies of coronavirus patients. The ministry guidelines say: ‘The main driver of COVID-19 transmission is through droplets. Only the lungs of dead patients, if handled during an autopsy, can be infectious.’What are the basic minimum standard precautions to be followed by health workers while handling bodies? As per guidelines, bodies should be stored in cold chambers maintained at approximately 4 degree Celsius.

Source: Indian Express April 02, 2020 02:56 UTC