FAQ’s about the last rites of COVID -19 patients
1.Should a COVID-19 dead body be buried or cremated?
A.The dead body can be cremated or buried.
2. How is the body transported ?
A.The body should be kept in a body bag and the exterior should be decontaminated.
3. Are the people who transport the body at risk ?
A. Once the body is decontaminated, there is no additional risk.
4. What precautions should be taken by the people handling the body?
A. They should follow the standard precautions that many of us follow everyday which includes wearing a mask and gloves.
5. Should the vehicle be cleaned after transporting /transferring the body?
A. Yes the vehicle has to be decontaminated by 1% Sodium Hypochlorite.
6. Should the burial ground/ crematorium staff be informed that the body s of COVID-19 patient?
A. The burial ground/ crematorium staff should be informed and sensitized that there are no additional risks as the body is decontaminated.
7. Should the burial ground/ crematorium staff take precautions?
A.Yes, standard precautions of hand hygiene should be practiced and use masks and gloves.
8. Can the family see the deceased for one last time?
A. Yes, the dead body can be viewed for one last time by unzipping the face end of the body bag, by the staff.
9. Can the religious rituals be allowed ?
A. Yes, religious rituals like reading from the scriptures, sprinkling holy water and any other rites which do not require touching of the body can be allowed.
10. Which rituals should not be allowed?
A. Bathing the dead body, kissing, hugging etc should not be allowed.
11. What precautions should be taken after the burial or cremation?
A. The funeral or burial staff and the family members should perform hand hygiene after the burial or cremation.
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