With over 760, 000 people (to date) being confirmed as having COVID-19 and almost 50, 000 succumbing to its devastating effect, we continue to sing praise to the ‘front-line’ workers – the doctors, paramedics and carers who are risking their lives in the battle to limit the damage. And rightly so, they are doing an incredible, selfless job.
But what about the people who are dealing with the victims?
Our funeral directors are having to navigate these unprecended times; handling the bodies (which can still be contagious for up to 72 hours) and also looking after devastated families who are being denied the right to say a ‘proper’ goodbye. Along with preparing for the crippling effect on the economy, the government has recently released guidelines for healthcare professionals handling infected patients that are alive or deceased…
COVID – 19 is classified as an airborne high consequence infectious disease in the UK.
In the absence of effective drugs or a vaccine, control of this disease relies on the prompt identification appropriate risk assessment, management and isolation of possible cases, and the investigation and follow up of close contacts to minimise potential onward transmission.
Coronaviruses are mainly transmitted by large respiratory droplets and direct or indirect contact with infected secretions. They have also been detected in blood, faeces and urine.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may appear two to 14 days after exposure and can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or
- Difficulty breathing
The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. People who are older or have existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, may be at higher risk of serious illness. This is similar to what is seen with other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza.
When to see a doctor
If you or someone you know have any symptoms and have possibly been exposed to the virus, contact your doctor on the phone immediately or call 111. As a precaution, do not go to your surgery without speaking to them first. Tell your doctor if you’ve recently travelled internationally.
Risk factors
- Recent travel from or residence in China
- Close contact with someone who has COVD-19 such as when a family member or health care worker takes care of an infected person.
Precautions
Although there is no vaccine available to prevent infection with the new coronavirus you can take steps to reduce your risk of infection. WHO and CDC recommend taking the following precautions for avoiding respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren’t clean
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick
- Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items if you are sick
- Clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch
- Stay home from work, school and public areas if you are sick
It is important to remember that the symptoms for COVID-19 are very similar to the common flu virus that effects many of us at this time of year so please do not allow the media coverage of this matter to make you over-anxious. In relation to deaths from cancer, heart disease and diabetes, the number of cases in the UK is minimal.
And for our funeral directors
Handling Dead Bodies
You people do the most incredible job day in and day out and whilst the number of cases in the UK is limited, please be informed and cautious.
The government guidelines around handling dead bodies infected with COVID-19.
- The act of moving a recently deceased patient onto a hospital trolley for transportation to the mortuary might be sufficient to expel small amounts of air from the lungs and thereby present a minor risk.
- A body bag should be used for transferring the body and those handling the body at this point should use full PPE.
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-wn-cov-infection-prevention-and-control-guidance#PPE
- The outer surface of the body bag should be decontaminated immediately before the body bag leaves the anteroom area. This may require at least two individuals wearing such protective clothing.
- The trolley carrying the body must be disinfected prior to leaving the anteroom
- Prior to leaving the anteroom, the staff members must remove their protective clothing.
- Once in the hospital mortuary, it would be acceptable if those carrying out the task wear PPE. Mortuary staff and funeral directors must be advised of the biohazard risk. Embalming is not recommended.
- If a post-mortem is required, safe working techniques should be used and full PPE worn in the event that power tools are used. High security post-mortem suites are available and can be discussed with the PHE incident team.
- After use, empty body bags should be disposed of as category B waste.
