Post-mortem without Covid test; test only when in doubt

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On the position that covid deaths have declined, health department has withdrawn the condition that the corpses should be tested for covid before Post-mortem. Only on strong clinical doubt of covid death, a rapid antigen test needs to be done.

At the same time, the staff must wear protective measures like PPE Kit, N-95 mask, gloves, face shield, etc. If the corpse of the covid victim needs to be washed precautions need to be followed then as well. One performing the bath, cleaning, shaving, cutting nails, setting hair, etc has to wear gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, a medical mask, etc. After use, all this must be removed and washed with soap.

Other instructions

• People 60+ age, with diabetes, heart conditions, and other severe diseases should stay away from the corpse.
• The ones who got all vaccines must only handle the corpse
• Sodium hypochlorite must be used to clean the space where the corpse was stored
• Ones who handle the corpse must bath thoroughly using soap
• Check oneself for fever, throat pain, tiredness, stomach issues, etc for 14 days
• The instructions of healthcare workers must be followed if death happened at residence