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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.

Mangaluru, July 30: Under the KKMA Dream House (Home for Homeless) project, the Karnataka Branch of Kuwait Kerala Muslim Association built two new houses at Nelyadi in Puttur taluk (house # 12 & 13) and handed over the keys on 29th July 2020 to the two widows as an Eid al-Adha gift for them.

Mr. S.M. Basha, president of Sea Food Buyers Association, Mangaluru, Mr. Sajid A.K, president of Highland Islamic Forum (HIF), Mangaluru, Mr. S.M. Farooq, president of KKMA Karnataka State Committee and Mr. Abubakker Thumbay, Vice President of Karnataka Branch Religious Affairs graced the occasion as Chief Guests.

Mr. S.M. Basha along with other dignitaries handed over the House # 12 key to a widow with three daughters at Bail house in Nelyadi and Mr. Sajid A.K. handed over the House # 13 key to another widow with two children at Alampadi in Nelyadi. 

Ustaad Haneef Saqafi, Qateeb Badriya Juma Masjid Nelyadi, Advocate Ismail, Ex-President and present committee member, Abdul Qader, Secretary of Jamaat, Taj Umar, Treasurer of Jamath, City Abbu, Ex-President of Jamath were present.  Ustaad Haneef Saqafi did the dua prayers. Mr. Abdul Rehman,  Contractor of the two houses was also present.

Kuwait Kerala Muslim Association being a leading Social Service Organization is an Extrordinary organization of ordinary people has successfully implemented several social development projects in Kerala and Karnataka states. KKMA Karnataka branch has previously handed over 11 houses for homeless at different places in Dakshina Kannada District.