The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines on how to safely bury patients who succumb to corona virus in line with World health Organization directives and the public Health Act Cap 242 of the laws of Kenya.
The body of a deceased corona virus patient should be handled in a manner that prevents infection and spread of the disease. This process should also be culturally appropriate for the bereaved.
All health workers and anyone involved in the management of burial of such a patient are required to adhere to the guidelines provided.
First the Ministry of Health has to be notified and will immediately conduct an autopsy and laboratory test to confirm the cause of death.
The family will also be fully informed about the process to be followed in burying their loved one which include; their religious and personal rights to show respect for deceased.
A few people will be allowed to handle the funeral; a family representative, Public Health Officer, a local administrator-chief or Assistant Chief, security and any other relevant health professional.
The steps to be followed during the burial are as follows;
-Arrival of the Body disposal team
-The staff should not be wearing Personal Protective equipment (PPE) upon arrival
-Greet the family and offer your condolences before unloading the necessary material from the vehicles and further request for a family representative.
-The communicator should liaise with the family representative for the final rites.
After that the health officials will be required to be in protective gear and spray the body before placing it in the appropriate body bag.
The health officials will then place the body in coffin and a family representative in gloves will then be allowed to close the coffin after which it will be disinfected and the body buried in a grave or per cultural practices.
After the burial, health officials will disinfect rooms, clothes and any other items that the deceased may have used or interacted with.
