2.2  Potential risks during autopsy
2019-nCoV has strong survivability and resistance to cold environments [[6], [7]]. It indicates that the 2019-nCoV can survive in a corpse for a period of time after the infected person has died. The remains of patients who have died of COVID-19 may have a large amount of the virus. Cryopreservation may prolong the persistence of the virus in the body [8].
Currently, known routes of transmission of 2019-nCoV are mainly respiratory droplets, aerosols, and contact with viral secretions [9,10]. During an autopsy, forensic practitioners need to perform tissue segmentation, organ extraction, organ incision and other procedures, during which the virus can be passively released and increase the risk of inhaling the virus due to the timeframe of the autopsy and close proximity to the body. Additionally, sharp instrument injury and body fluid spray contact can increase the risk of occupational exposure.