My family who had tested positive for Covid-19 passed away at home. How can I get a death certificate?
The registered doctor under whose treatment the person was before the death, will contact the local BBMP doctor the Medical Officer of Health. Based on the results of the spot test can be issued by the doctor. All home deaths will be issued Form 4A.
- What if the person dies while being shifted from one hospital to another?
The procedure remains the same as above, the receiving hospital’s doctor can issue the death certificate.
- After getting the death certificate, how do I arrange for the cremation?
Please contact notified crematoriums in the question below, the hearse van by BBMP will arrive immediately or in an hour based on the load.
- Can a family member of a deceased person go to the crematorium?
Given the prevalent situation, if possible avoid visiting the crematorium. However the number of persons during funeral/last rites related gatherings should as per guidelines of Government of India and Government of Karnataka. Children, people aged over 60, and people with co-morbidities should avoid visiting the crematorium.Strict physical distancing of 2 metres/6 feet should be maintained at all time, everyone should wear masks and gloves. They will need to sanitize themselves when returning from the crematorium.
- Can family members perform rituals for the deceased?
All rituals/rites can be performed only after the body has been prepared appropriately (see below). Please avoid, bathing, hugging, embracing the deceased after preparing the body. Protecting clothing such as face shield or googles and a mask must be worn when performing rituals along with a gown/apron. It is best to avoid splashing any fluids that might come in contact with eyes, mouth and nose. All material used must be sanitized with either 1% Sodium Hypochlorite or 70% ethanol solution for 15 minutes.
- How should the body be prepared for the ceremony?
Embalming of the dead body should not be allowed. Keep both handling and movement of the body to a bare minimum. Ensure that anyone who handles the body wears protective clothing such as mask, goggles, face shield, gloves, apron/full body suit. The dead body should be secured in a body bag. The exterior of the bag has to be sanitized once the body has been placed in it. Do not leave any part of the body (including face) outside the body bag. All material used must be sanitized with either 1% Sodium Hypochlorite or 70% ethanol solution for 15 minutes.
- Should the belongings of the deceased be burned or disposed of?
No, the belongs do not need to be burned or disposed. However, all material used must be sanitized with either 1% Sodium Hypochlorite or 70% ethanol solution for 15 minutes.
- Can friends and family view the dead body?
Due to the prevalence of the situation, avoid gathering and follow isolation procedures. If possible, allow for remote/virtual viewing. In case there are visitors, they should not touch or kiss the body and maintain physical distancing of at least 2 meters/6 feet between people. All visitors should wash their hands thoroughly and wear masks at all times.
- Are there any specific crematoriums reserved for COVID-19 victims? How can I contact them?
BBMP has reserved seven electric crematoriums for the last rites of COVID-19 victims. The family members should register the death at the control room dedicated to book vehicles for COVID-19 deaths. The helpline numbers are 080-22493202/080-22493203 and the phone number is +91 8792162736 (available on WhatsApp). The helpline numbers will be available everyday between 7AM and 10PM. Please note that this facility is free of cost.
Please refer to the guidelines issued by Government of Karnataka for more details: https://covid19.karnataka.gov.in/storage/pdf-files/Guiedlines%20on%20Dead%20Body%20management.pdf