Safe management of bodies of deceased person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19

摘要

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by COVID-19 thecoronavirus that predominantly affects the lungs. Because oflimited data and research studies, the transmission of thevirus from dead bodies with COVID-19 has not been verified.However, to stay on a safe side, the safety and well-being ofeveryone who handles the corpses should be prioritized. Allthe personnel who interact with the dead bodies (HealthCare Workers, Ambulance drivers, Mortuary staffs or Burialteams) should apply the standard precautionary measuresincluding Personal Protective Equipment (gown, gloves, andface protection-face mask and face shield if risks of splashesfrom body fluids are high). Safety precautions should betaken by the forensic personnel involved in the autopsies ofthe people who died from COVID-19, as the lungs and otherorgans can still contain a live virus.