Public Health Inspector on Gears and Shipping of COVID-19 Bodies

John Bodden

Public Health Inspector John Bodden also shares the protective gears to be used in the process of disposal of bodies of both known and suspected COVID-19 patients. Bodden says that according to international health regulations they will have to issue permits for bodies to be taken out of the country.

John Bodden, Principal Public Health Inspector

“In terms of the management of the bodies, the standard precaution still exists for them or is recommended in terms of PPE, there is the need for the protection of the eyes and the nose. So, we do use the N95 masks and we use gloves. We also recommend the long gowns or aprons which are fluid resistant to be used because when they apply the disinfectant there could be splashes and so it is important that these are at all times being worn by the person managing the individuals.  In terms of the protocols that were developed, it says either known or suspected. So, these procedures are going to be applied to those who are COVID case or those who are suspected to be of COVID origin.  Through the IHR, it is recommended that we must put in place measures that would prohibit the spread of the illness. As such, there are certain requirements that must be met; the first is that body must be embalmed and we are not doing any invasive procedure. We are not embalming the bodies so that wouldn’t be able to be transported internationally. The second criteria is that we don’t have frequent cargo planes coming to the country for the transfer of these bodies, so we don’t know how quick these bodies will be able to leave the country.  As such, the ministry and based on the quarantine act and the need for early as possible disposal of these individuals, they have recommended that the bodies either be cremated or buried. So, in regards for those people who might want to get the remains of their individuals transferred internationally is the only way it can be done is if the body is cremated. There will be no risk because of the high temperature through which the body burns.”

Bodden says that families are still required to cover costs for burial or cremation. He notes that costs are determined by funeral homes that handle the process.