The Nigeria Cetre for Disease Control, NCDC, says embalming the dead body of a person confirmed or suspected to have died of COVID-19 is not recommended.

The NCDC disclosed this in its Guidelines for Safe Transportation of Remains of Persons Suspected or Confirmed to Have Died of COVID-19 published on Tuesday.

According to the NCDC, “for families with loved ones abroad or in another state who have passed on due to complications from COVID-19 transporting the remains is a tough process”.

The interim guideline the health agency said is based on what is currently known about COVID-19, noting that the virus spreads through contact with contaminated respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or from contact with contaminated hands, surfaces or objects.

It noted that family viewing of the deceased may occur; however, family members should avoid any contact with the body.

“Funeral directors and mortuary personnel are less likely to contract COVID-19 from deceased persons infected with the virus if they adopt appropriate infection control procedures and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)”.

It added that precautionary strategies should be used to minimise public health risks and to prevent further spread of the disease.

“Contact and droplet infection control precautions should be used when handling deceased bodies confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19″.

“Wear appropriate PPE at all times without contaminating environmental surfaces,” it added.

The NCDC noted that for transport and storage, the body must be placed and secured in a bag or wrapping in a manner that prevents leakage; double bagging may be required to achieve this.

“The body bag should be labelled COVID-19 – Handle with care. Avoid unnecessary manipulation of the body that may expel air or fluid from the lungs”, the report further stated.