2.5  Special considerations in case of non-identified bodies
Where required the forensic procedures recommended by the ICRC for the identification of the dead are applicable to the identification of those infected with COVID-19 [[16], [17], [18]], with certain caveats as follows:• Remains infected with COVID-19 with persistent agent may pose a cross contamination hazard to unprotected people hence visual recognition by next of kin should be strictly controlled and follow the necessary precautions, including the wearing of PPE. Furthermore, due to the likely complexity of the recovery operation and the greater time taken, remains may have decomposed beyond the point where visual recognition is of any value by the time they are recovered.
• All those involved in the examination and identification process of human remains known or believed to be infected with COVID-19 are required to wear appropriate PPE. This PPE has an impact on the wearer’s dexterity and their ability to perform fine motor skills. In addition, the performance of invasive techniques may increase the risk to staff of cross contamination. For these reasons, the use of invasive techniques should be avoided wherever possible.
• The extra safeguards required for the handling of infected remains potentially increases the time required to perform the identification and post mortem process as well as the physiological burden on the staff undertaking them.
• Where it is decided to conduct identification (and post mortem examination), this should also be conducted within the temporary holding area. This will help avoid overwhelming and contaminating normal mortuary facilities and endangering their staff, which will be expected to run business as usual.