• Decontamination procedures can be divided into those for the staff undertaking the management of the dead procedures (along with their equipment) and decontamination of the human remains. The objectives are to ensure the health and safety of those carrying out the handling of the dead and to prevent the unnecessary spread of contamination.
• The decontamination approach should be considered as part of the planning process with a view to ensuring the most effective method is adopted, including processes for management of waste generated during the process.
• The most suitable approach is to place human remains into two body bags at the site of recovery and manage the contamination on the outside of the bag by a combination of contamination monitoring and washing of the outside of the bag.
• Decontamination of the body is not advisable, mainly because bodies may release inhaled vapor from the respiratory system or other internal contamination via other routes after initial decontamination and vigorous decontamination of bodies or body parts may destroy forensic evidence or obscure identifying marks which may make identification more difficult.
• The exact method chosen (if any) for decontamination of the body bags should follow the standard procedures for COVID-19 and the use of recommended disinfectants.
• Decontamination of staff will be as per the method defined for the PPE worn.
• Upon completion of the process, prior to removal of any equipment from the temporary holding area, care must be taken to ensure that it does not present a cross contamination hazard. This will involve monitoring each piece of equipment for contamination and decontamination of equipment as is deemed necessary.
• Any equipment which cannot be disinfected from COVID-19 must be disposed of as infected waste, following standard biosecurity procedures. This usually requires their controlled storage, transport and incineration.