Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, July 27: Kashmiri doctors in Britain today issued detailed guidelines that are to be followed during the burial and the safe management of COVID-19 dead bodies.
British Kashmiri Medical Association, UK said that the main aim of putting these guidelines out is that the bereaved people are treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect and the mourners and workers involved in the management of funerals are protected from the avoidable risk of infection.
Regarding preparing the body for burial washing, the guidelines said that there is a need to avoid direct contact with blood or bodily fluids.
“Make sure the mouth and any wounds/leaks are covered with waterproof bandage/mask and do not remove any tubes, catheters, etc,” it said.
“Wash the body as normally where possible. However, keep the movement of the body to a minimum. If a hose is being used, apply water with moderate force under the towel to wash away any impurities from the private areas without touching,” guidelines added.
On shrouding the body of the deceased, the guidelines state that the body and the shroud of the COVID-19 positive deceased must not be touched under any circumstance without wearing gloves.
“If the body bag cannot be opened, the shroud may be applied over the body bag. The body bag itself can also suffice if need be. Where a coffin is used, place the shrouded body in the coffin and close the lid,” guidelines said.
Regarding viewing of the dead body by the family and the relatives, it said that it (viewing) maybe arranged for close family and family members will need to use appropriate PPE.
Putting out the guidelines to be followed before the body is transferred to the mortuary, the guidelines stated that: Remove all lines, catheters and tubes thus preparing the body for transfer.
“Keep minimum movement of the body and safe handling during the transfer. Cover the body in a cloth and transfer to the mortuary area as soon as possible”
The guidelines stated that the body bags are not necessary unless there is any leakage of body fluids from orifices. “Make sure the leakage is contained before transfer”
On the volunteers or family picking up the deceased, it said that there is a need to ensure all members of the team are wearing appropriate protective clothing (PPE) before entering the room of the deceased.
“Wipe down and thoroughly wash all surfaces the body/body bag has been in contact with: stretcher, interior of vehicles, room, wash trolley, tables, the exterior of the coffin/casket, trolley, and any other surfaces used,” guidelines said.
The vehicle in the deceased has been transferred must be sanitized. “Limit the number of locations to which the body is transported,” it said.
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