What happens to virus when

[Carta]

people who died while on ventilators and then stored in trailers? Does virus stay on/in dead bodies? Are trailers contaminated?

 

[VacationForever]

Yes, virus stay on the dead bodies but the question is for how long. There is another thread on this. Back in the days of SARS, dead bodies were zipped up in body bags and taken straight from the morgue to the crematorium by people in full PPE gear - body suit, full face and neck protection.

Trailers are contaminated but again for how long. Since they found COVID-19 virus in cruise ship cabin for 17 days, I would say air the trailers in the sun for at least 17 days after the last body is removed.

 

[Brett]

Yes, virus stay on the dead bodies but the question is for how long. There is another thread on this. Back in the days of SARS, dead bodies were zipped up in body bags and taken straight from the morgue to the crematorium by people in full PPE gear - body suit, full face and neck protection.

Trailers are contaminated but again for how long. Since they found COVID-19 virus in cruise ship cabin for 17 days, I would say air the trailers in the sun for at least 17 days after the last body is removed.

yeah, then a good spraying of bleach

 

[VacationForever]

yeah, then a good spraying of bleach

Yes, that too.

 

[dioxide45]

Yes, virus stay on the dead bodies but the question is for how long. There is another thread on this. Back in the days of SARS, dead bodies were zipped up in body bags and taken straight from the morgue to the crematorium by people in full PPE gear - body suit, full face and neck protection.

Trailers are contaminated but again for how long. Since they found COVID-19 virus in cruise ship cabin for 17 days, I would say air the trailers in the sun for at least 17 days after the last body is removed.

That story about the Diamond Princess was misleading and now seems to be referred to as a fact that the virus can live on surfaces for 17 days, which isn't necessarily true.

New CDC research conducted on the Diamond Princess cruise ship found traces of the coronavirus on some of the ship’s surfaces up to 17 days after passengers disembarked. But traces are not the same thing as live viruses.

The report doesn’t conclude that the virus "survived" on any of the surfaces that long and the CDC hasn’t issued an official statement that gives that assessment, either.

PolitiFact - There’s no evidence COVID-19 can survive on surfaces up to 17 days

A CNBC story circulating on Facebook displayed a misleading headline that claimed the Centers for Disease Control and Pr

www.politifact.com

Other tests seem to indicate that the virus can SURVIVE up to three days on certain surfaces. That is a more important factor than how long a genetic trace can be found on a surface as the articles about the Diamond Princess mention. It is also important to point out that bodies aren't stored in regular trailers. These are refrigerated trailers meant for this purpose. The virus can likely survive longer in a colder environment. It is possible it could survive years if in a freezer. Of course, more tests are likely needed to verify how long it could survive in these situations. I am not sure if the trailers being contaminated is a concern. Anyone moving bodies in or out should be wearing PPE as well as anyone handling bodies of invective victims.

 

[clifffaith]

Cliff was wondering yesterday how funeral homes were handling (or not handling) covid bodies. I've heard that funerals are down to a person or two sitting in a car so as to not have social distancing issues, but I've heard nothing about funeral home personal being at risk and having to take precautions. I'd think they'd be at considerable risk.

 

[bbodb1]

yeah, then a good spraying of bleach

Napalm.

End of story.

 

[dioxide45]

Cliff was wondering yesterday how funeral homes were handling (or not handling) covid bodies. I've heard that funerals are down to a person or two sitting in a car so as to not have social distancing issues, but I've heard nothing about funeral home personal being at risk and having to take precautions. I'd think they'd be at considerable risk.

I would expect that the person performing embalming wears PPE regardless. Virus or no virus. Today or a year ago. They won't take chances.