How bodies of those who die from Coronavirus will be disposed

The Ministry of Health has issued a number of guidelines regarding how human remains of patients who succumb to COVID-19 will be disposed.

For patients who will die in health facilities, health professionals will have to certify death and the facility working closely with a designated Public Health Officer and the family will facilitate the disposal.

In case a death is reported outside a health facility, safe disposal of the body is paramount.

• Before commencement of the burial process, the family must be fully informed about the process.
• A family member/ representative will be asked if there are any specific requests.
• The body disposal team should include a family representative, a public health officer, local administrator, security and any other co-opted health professional.
• The room where the remains are should be disinfected and if a coffin is to be used, it should be placed outside the house.
• A sample should be collected from the victim.
• Body should be placed in a body bag of impervious material by persons wearing PPE.
• Place clothes of the deceased inside the coffin if the family so wishes.
• Allow one of the family members to close the coffin, ensure they are wearing gloves at all times.
• Disinfect the coffin.
• Respect the grieving time requested by the family.
• The coffin should remain permanently closed.
• The body should then be interred.
• All surfaces the deceased might have touched should be disinfected and mattresses or mats soiled with body fluids of the deceased should be burnt at a distance from the house after agreeing with the family.