Statistics Act, 1999
R 385
Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002)NoticesDirections from the Department of Health to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-199. Handling of COVID-19 mortal remains in mortuaries or at funeral undertakers |
| (1) | A body bag must be used for transferring the body from the mortuary to a private undertaker, to be exported for non -South Africans or to the family for final burial or cremation. Those handling the body at this point must use full PPE. |
| (2) | The outer surface of the body bag must be decontaminated immediately after the body has been put into the bag and may require at least two individuals wearing the appropriate PPE, in order to manage this process. |
| (3) | The trolley carrying the body must be disinfected prior to leaving the ward or anteroom. |
| (4) | Prior to leaving the ward or anteroom, the staff members must remove their PPE. |
(5)
| (a) | Once in the hospital or private mortuary, the body bag may be opened for family members (one at a time) to view the human remains. |
| (b) | The mortuary attendant must wear full PPE at the mortuary. |
| (c) | The family members must be provided with masks and gloves for the viewing and must not touch the body with bare hands. |
| (6) | Washing or preparing the mortal remains is allowed provided those carrying out the task wear PPE such as gloves, masks and waterproof coverall and all PPE used must be disposed of immediately. However, the washing and preparing of the mortal remains by family members is not encouraged due to the health risks. |
| (7) | Mortuary staff and funeral directors must be advised by the Environmental Health Practitioner of the biohazard risk. |
| (8) | No washing is allowed out of the mortuary or funeral undertaker's premises. |
| (9) | If the family wishes to dress the body, they may do so at the funeral undertaker's premises prior to the body being placed in the body bag and those carrying out the task must wear PPE such as gloves, masks and waterproof coverall apron and all PPE used must be disposed of immediately. |
| (10) | If a post mortem is required, safe working techniques must be used and full PPE must be worn. |
| (11) | In order to avoid excessive manipulation of the body, embalming is not recommended; however, if embalming is undertaken, the embalmer must wear full PPE. |
| (12) | After use, empty body bags must be cut and disposed of as health care risk waste. |
| (13) | After use, the reusable empty heavy duty body bags must be treated in terms of existing procedures. |
