COVID death is a non-medico-legal case, clarifies ICMR

Asymptomatic infected persons, patients in the incubation period, unidentified dead bodies and cases with the negative result may not meet the diagnostic criteria for suspected cases, but should be treated as suspected COVID-19 death cases as a false-negative result is not uncommon."

According to ICMR, in the case of a large number of deaths, both incineration and burial are recommended methods for safe disposal of the bodies.

However, the Government's decision of incineration or burial may be taken in the best interest of public health at large.

It said religious rituals that requires touching the bodies should be avoided like bathing, kissing and hugging etc. of the bodies.

The document added that "the body must be cremated in an electric crematorium, wherever possible so that the movement and handling of the body is minimized.

The ash does not pose any risk and can be collected to perform the last rites. In case of burial, the upper surface should be cemented and earmarked."

It said that all the personnel associated with the care of the dead, from doctors to mortuary staff, to hearse van drivers and crematorium/burial ground staff should follow the precautions so that everyone can do their duty in good health.

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