The health authorities in the country have adopted controls and procedures to prevent and control infection when dealing with the bodies of the deceased as a result of infection with the new Corona virus (Covid-19), explaining that the disease was included in the list of the Colon Manual to deal with the dead bodies of infectious diseases and was classified in the risk category, which means that The body of the deceased person "Covid-19", should be treated using the basic methods of prevention.
The health authorities represented by the Ministry of Health and Community Protection, the Health Department in Abu Dhabi, the Health Authority in Dubai, and the Abu Dhabi Center for Public Health stated that the corpse of the deceased with corona virus may pose a risk of transmitting the infection in theory, but it has not yet been established that the transmission of the virus when dealing with the dead According to what the World Health Organization has confirmed, and because the disease is a new global pandemic, the available scientific evidence is not conclusive in denying that there is a risk of dealing with the bodies of those with it, therefore it is advised to take precautions to prevent infection.
She emphasized that these procedures and controls that I have approved, especially for Muslims, have taken into account the sanctity and right of the deceased Muslim to wash and shroud and pray upon him and the right of his family and relatives to participate in these ceremonies and farewells, and at the same time ensure their safety and the safety of others from infection.
The controls stipulated that the health personnel inform family members of the developments of the condition of the injured person first and explain the nature of the infectious disease and the preventive measures that must be followed. The reasons for prohibiting some practices that may lead to the transmission of infection, including some dangerous practices while watching and washing the body of the deceased such as (kissing), are explained. When watching, abdominal pressure, taking out body fluids during washing), and reducing the number of people who watch the corpse or who attend burial ceremonies, and this is limited to close family members only, in order to reinforce the principle of physical spacing during the pandemic.
Health authorities indicated that for non-citizens, procedures must be coordinated with their families or their embassy and agreement on a mechanism for dealing with the body of the deceased within the state, as there is no way to transfer the deceased to his country with pandemic conditions (Covid-19), and in all cases people should be excluded from the dangerous groups (The elderly, who suffer from chronic diseases or immune deficiency due to disease or medication) from dealing with the dead body.
The four health authorities have specified procedures that health institutions must adhere to when dealing with corona's corpses, to avoid direct contact with blood or dead body fluids, and to make sure that wounds are completely covered with water-resistant bandages, and to avoid sharp objects while examining the corpse. Or while disposing of waste and sterilization, and emphasizing the practice of hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer solution, and using protective clothing and tools while dealing with the dead body (gloves, water-resistant garment, surgical mask, eyeglasses or face shield to avoid Exposure to liquids in the event of a volatile Artjaat or aversion to blood from the body). All tubes and catheters should be removed from the dead body with great care when removing the venous catheters and other sharp devices and dispose of them directly in the container of sharp materials, and the wounds and places of the needle hole should be disinfected and dressed with water-resistant materials, and all the dead body exits such as the mouth must be blocked The nose and anus to prevent body fluids from leaking, and that the dead body is wrapped with a white cap and then placed in a strong, leak-proof plastic bag so that it is sealed when the body is delivered, and the vehicle carrying the body must be cleaned and disinfected after transport.
The health authorities stressed the health facilities, the need to clean and disinfect the blood-contaminated surfaces in accordance with the instructions followed in health institutions, with careful handling of clothes and blankets that were used during the care of the dead, and to follow the precautions to prevent infection and put them in a tightly closed bag to be transported to the designated laundry, and to sterilize the equipment Used by an autoclave or disinfected with special sterilization solutions in accordance with the health institution’s policy.
The corpse must be transported by ambulance or a special vehicle prepared for this purpose to the designated wash area, and the persons who deal with the corpse during transportation must wear appropriate protective clothing which is a waterproof long-sleeved gown, gloves, and a surgical mask, noting that the driver does not need To wear protective clothing if there is no direct contact with the body of the deceased, care must be taken to clean hands before and after contact with the body or adjacent surfaces with soap and water or the use of alcoholic sterilizers, while cleaning and disinfecting the transport vehicle before using it again.
She said that specific wash basins should be specified to wash the dead with "Covid-19" in each area to be well ventilated and in which air is available. The dead should be washed by people trained in the use of protective clothing (gloves, waterproof dress, and surgical mask). With goggles or face shield to protect the eyes), and that the attendance of washing the dead is limited to only two people in the family while adhering to the use of protective clothing, standing at a safe distance and not touching or kissing. The health authorities emphasized washing the deceased according to the legal procedures and excluding everything that leads to dropping spray, liquids or secretions from the body of the deceased, and reducing the number of people who see the corpse or who attend burial ceremonies and that is limited to the close family members only, and those responsible for washing Taking cultural considerations into account and ensuring that family members are not exposed to the body to a minimum, and children or the elderly (over 60 years old) should not be involved in preparing the body or anyone suffering from other diseases such as respiratory disease, heart disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system. Others viewers From a distance of one meter at least without touching the body.
The conditions stipulated that the washing area should be cleaned and disinfected after completion, and that the persons charged with carrying the body and lowering it in the grave, crematorium, etc., should wear gloves and wash their hands with soap and water after removing gloves and completing the burial procedures, and that there is no need to burn the deceased's belongings or dispose of However, gloves should be worn when handled and cleaned with a detergent, and sterilized with a solution containing ethanol at a concentration of 70% or on bleaching liquid at a concentration of 1.0% (1000 ppm).
Including «Covid-19» in the list of Colon's guide to dealing with the dead bodies of deceased infectious diseases.
Determine laundries to wash deceased persons with "Covid-19" virus in each region.
Children or the elderly should not be involved in preparing the deceased.
The presence of washing the dead is restricted to two members of the family, with the use of protective clothing.
Washing the deceased's belongings
Health authorities have obliged to wash the deceased's clothes and other cloths with hot water with temperatures ranging between 60 and 90 degrees Celsius or 14 to 194 degrees Fahrenheit and laundry washing soap, and if the automatic washing machine is not available, the clothes can be soaked in a large basin containing hot water and soap and move it with a stick while avoiding Spray, and after finishing, the basin should be emptied and soaked with a chlorine solution of 05.0% for 30 minutes, then washed with clean water and left to dry under sunlight.