The truth behind the alleged ban on autopsies of people killed by COVID-19

In the last few hours, information relating to autopsies of people who died of COVID-19 has circulated on social networks. In these publications it is stated that they are prohibited, but that this is fake news, since international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Mexico They have guides to explain how these procedures are performed.

According to a specialist guide published by the WHO on March 24, 2020 and updated on September 4, “If a person suspected or confirmed of COVID-19 is selected for the autopsy, health centers must ensure the necessary measures to protect those who will perform the autopsy.”

Some of the recommendations made by the WHO when performing the autopsy include: transport specialized equipment, limit the staff assigned to carrying out the autopsy and have a ventilated room.

On the other hand, the Mexican government also has a guide dedicated to explaining autopsies during a COVID-19 pandemic. Infobae México has accessed said documentation and neither is it prohibited.

The Ministry of Health indicates that the post-mortem study will be carried out “Only if strictly necessary, given limited personnel and having a safe space, with biosecurity recommendations, and using special protective equipment.”

The Mexican authorities explain that, in the case of a forensic autopsy, The body will be transferred to the forensic department for the next steps. Other recommendations issued by the health sector at the time of the autopsy are to avoid splashing when handling organs, especially with lung tissue, in addition to applying a disinfection and washing process in work areas.

According to information from El Sabueso, if a person dies in hospital from COVID-19, the study will not be done because there is a background file, but if the person dies at home, without a history, this will be done.

The latest report from the Ministry of Health (SSa) indicates that there is 194,944 deaths from COVID-19 in Mexico. However, in the last 24 hours, 234 new deaths.

Ruy López Ridaura, director general of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control Programs, said they had been enumerated 37,056 (2%) active infections, which represents people who have had symptoms in the previous 14 days.

The government of Mexico, led by Claudia Sheinbaum, reported that, Until this Monday, March 15, there is a coverage of 97% of the elderly vaccinated against COVID-19, which can translate into a total of 430 thousand 657 doses have been applied in 8 municipalities.

According to official information, the mayor of Miguel Hidalgo is the one who applied the most doses of the antidote with 89 thousand 789; followed by Azcapotzalco with 79,000,448; Iztacalco with 71 thousand 653; Xochimilco with 61,361; Tláhuac with 43,096; Magdalena Contreras with 41 thousand 785; Cuajimalpa with 29.185 and Milpa Alta with 14,340.

Likewise, it was pointed out that the total population of the eight mayors mentioned is 443,000,182 people aged 60 or over. So there are demarcations such as Miguel Hidalgo, Cuajimalpa and Magdalena Contreras who have already exceeded the number of candidates.

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