Handling of Covid-19 bodies a tough task for undertakers

A concerned local undertaker says the regulations on the handling of Covid-19 human remains are "disturbing" as they allow the families of the deceased to view the body. Also, although the washing and preparing of the body by family members is not encouraged, it is not prohibited.

The amendments to the Human Remains Regulations under the National Health Act were gazetted on 25 May to give guidance with regard to the handling of Covid-19 bodies. The undertaker, who wishes to remain anonymous, also questions the fact that Home Affairs still requires a thumb print to register a person's death. "I would rather not subject my staff to the risk of opening the bag to get a thumbprint or let family view the body." According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), dead bodies are generally not infectious, except in cases of haemorrhagic fevers (such as Ebola) and cholera. "Only the lungs of patients with pandemic influenza, if handled improperly during an autopsy, can be infectious. Otherwise, cadavers do not transmit disease."

Saying goodbye

Avbob George owner Gert Niehaus says the family can't be deprived of saying their goodbyes. "If family members want to view the body, they are welcome, but they must stick to the hygiene protocols."

After death

According to the regulations, a body bag should be used for transferring a Covid-19 body from the hospital or home where the person died using full PPE. The outer surface of the body bag should first be decontaminated. Once in the mortuary,

"it would be acceptable to open the body bag for viewing only". The family must be provided with masks and gloves and should not touch the body with bare hands.

No washing is allowed outside of the mortuary or undertaker's facilities. If the family wishes to dress the body, they may do so wearing full PPE at the undertaker's premises.

Burials

People carrying the coffin must wear disposable hand gloves.

Areas that may be utilised for mass burial must be identified, should the need arise. George Herald is awaiting a response from the Garden Route Municipality regarding suitable grounds in the district.