Bengaluru, Aug 7: Amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Karnataka, the state's health department issued fresh guidelines for the disposal of bodies of COVID patients.
"Although an increased risk of COVID infection from a dead body to health workers or family members who follow standard precautions while handling the body is unlikely, the lack of scientific data requires the utmost care to avoid the inadvertent spread of COVID-19 during these times," the statement from the health department's press release read, emphasising on the dignity of the dead and the religious and cultural tradition.
The 23-page press release elaborated on guidelines regarding testing, handling of dead bodies and other specificities in relation to the management of COVID-19 bodies.
"Testing should not be insisted in every case of death, but only when they have a recorded history of influenza-like symptoms. The body should be handed over to the family members/ relatives in a dignified manner immediately after swab collection and hospitals should provide handouts with a list of dos and don'ts in English and Kannada laying down relevant information," the statement said.
It added, "At the mortuary, health care workers, mortuary staff and the family of the deceased body shall not come in direct contact with the dead body and must wear full personal protective equipment (PPE). If the family or relative are for any reason unable to cremate or bury the body, the local health authority shall arrange for the dignified last rites as per the religious traditions of the family."
Regarding autopsies (post mortem) on COVID-19 bodies, the state department said that they should be avoided, except in necessary circumstances.
The statement also gave detailed guidelines regarding the appropriate recording of COVID-19 deaths in line with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines.
Additionally, the health department made a statement about the admission procedure for COVID positive patients referred by other district administrations saying, "It is now mandatory for all the referrals from the BBMP admission and discharge of COVID positive patients to be done through the online COVID Hospital Bed Management System (CHBMS)."
The state's count of coronavirus cases was 1,51,449 in the past 24 hours.
So far, a total of 2,804 people have died due to COVID-19 in the state, while the average recovery rate in Karnataka is 49.3 per cent.
Abdus Sami Qasmi, a resident of Seelampur here, was arrested from Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi district. He has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into the conspiracy to form a terror organisation and to launch terror attacks in the country, NIA officials said.
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NIA National Investigation Agency
after BJP election
NIA National Intolerance AgainstMinorities
No wonder ...its MODIFIED Govt
Given the prevalent political and socio-cultural situation in India, more such false-flag arrests on fake charges can be expected. And after years of rotting in jail, in the absence of solid proof they will be acquitted.
Its business as usual. Hey! we need to distract people from the shortfalls of the current regime! We have no other way for an escape!
Now Ghar Vapsi, Cow politics, Love Jihad, Reservation politics, Achhe din failed, they using NIA for political gain.
Before they use SIMI and now easy to say ISIS. Muslims are scapegoats since no power.
A cleric has been arrested by NIA officials on SUSPICIOUS that \ HE MIGHT (MIGHT) BE PLANNING TERROR ATTACKS IN THE COUNTRY\" -
Suspicious...Might- But there are many Criminal who already bark about committed crime openly.... Why no arrest!"
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