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.
Comments
More such a talks are more benefit for Congress. Nai Bogalidare Deva loka haalaaguwude????
Let them bark whatever they feel. Let us fight for the freedom from RSS - Jai JNU
These BJP leaders and their followers are crazy.
Those students are not anti nationals. they are protesting for their rights. They are joined by the staff of the JNU.
Most of the students & staff are Hindus. If you are a flag carriers of Patriotism, how your own children can do this.
They are fighting against govt policy.
Why should the parents kill their children. If you want to kill, die yourself, that is also you don't have right to kill yourself. Because your life is the property of your God and it is given by your God.
Are people Mad ,,,,,even after ZEE tv producer quit and agreed that the slogans were fake .....but its also fact that the damage to JNU almost successful ..........
anyways Fascism is already in Thrid stage....either we have to cut the main part of take proper therapy for Fascist Media
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