India is battling with a deadly second wave of coronavirus. Around 1,96,427 fresh coronavirus cases are reported in the country in the last 24 hours, meanwhile, 3,511 fatalities were reported. The number of cases might be declining in India but the number of deaths still remains high.
Cemeteries and funeral halls are full and people are not even getting an opportunity to respectfully bid farewell to loved ones. However, in many cases, people and even families are refusing to give a dignified burial or cremation to those who have died of Covid 19 due to the fear of infection. Recently, in Bihar, around 100 of Covid suspected bodies were witnesses floating in Ganga. Around 70 bodies were found half-buried in the sand on the riverbanks of the state.
These horrifying incidents show how Covid has filled people with fear. But is this fear rational? Does Covid spread from the dead bodies of patients?
The Department of Forensic Medicines, AIIMS was conducting a study on Covid19 positive medico-legal cases for the last one year. The Forensic Chief of AIIMS, Dr. Sudhir Gupta has said that coronavirus does not remain active in nasal and oral cavities after 12 to 24 hours of death. This means the risk of transmission from a deceased infected person is highly unlikely.
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“Around 100 bodies were re-tested for coronavirus infection in an interval of 12 to 24 hours after death and the results were negative. The virus does not remain active at all in nasal and oral cavities 24 hours after death,” Dr. Gupta said.
He further said that for safety purposes, nasal and oral cavities should be plugged to prevent leakage of body fluids or other orifices on punctures resulting from removal of the catheter, drains, tubes should be disinfected.
Dr. Gupta also suggested that people handling such bodies should wear protective gear like masks, gloves and PPE kits.
“Collection of bones and ashes is completely safe as there is no risk of transmission of infection from the mortal remains.”
“The study was conducted in the interest of preserving the dignity of the dead,” he added.