Kenya Goverment issue raft of measures how to Bury covid19 dead bodies, after uproar on how a LUO man was buried like a dog
The Ministry of Health has issued a raft of measures and guidelines to be followed for the safe disposal of patients who have died to the novel corona virus diease.
This follows an uproar from Kenyans on how a former KPA staff was buried in Siaya over the weekend. Netizens took to social media to register their disapproval on how the body was handlely with zero regards to the feelings of the family members.
The guidelines were developed in line with World Health Organization (WHO) protocols and the Public Health Act Cap 242 of the Laws of Kenya.
Accordingvto the new raft of measures, the following will preceed the burial.
The disposal of the body will be conducted in a manner that prevent infection, control the spread of covid19 and gives honor to the deceased culturall practices and that of the bereaved.
Investigations into cause of the death will commence in case the death occured outside a health facility.
If preliminary investigation suggests a natural death without concern for coronavirus, and if the deceased is properly identified, the body may be transported to a funeral home or crematorium with subsequent certification by a competent health professional.
If preliminary investigation meets the definition for covid 19 at the time of death, the Ministry of Health shall be notified and assume jurisdiction to determine the need for laboratory confirmation and autopsy.
Before commencement of the handling of the remains, the family will be fully informed about the dignified burial process and their religious and personal rights to show respect for the deceased.
The team which will handle the funeral will include; a family representative, a Public Health Officer, a local administrator (Chief / Assistant Chief), security and any other co ‘opted health professional.
The steps to be followed shall be:
- Arrival of the Body disposal team(undertakers)
- The staff should not be wearing PPE upon arrival.
- Greet the family and offer their condolences before unloading the necessary material from the vehicles. Request respectfully for a family representative.
- The communicator should liaise with the family representative for the final rites
Before handling the remains, health officials will be required to be in protective gear and will spray the body before placing it in the appropriate body bag.
If a coffin is necessary, it will be placed outside the house, and then the body will be placed by health officials in full protective equipment.
A family representative in gloves will then be allowed to close the coffin after which it will be disinfected.
The body will then be interred respectifully.
After the burial, health officials will disinfect rooms, clothes or other items that the deceased may have used or interacted with before they leave the home.
It is therefore expected that burials will be respectful henceforth
