Samples not to be taken from bodies of those suspected to have died with symptoms of COVID-19 in T'gana

Hyderabad, Apr 21 () Health authorities inTelangana have decided not to take samples from the bodies ofthose suspected to have died with symptoms of COVID-19 butfollow all due protocols, including disposal of the body,contact tracing of the person, isolation and testing bytreating it as a suspect case.

"It's body. When we are following the deemedprotocols, how does it matter, you collect the sample ornot...," a health official said on Tuesday.

The due protocols, including disposal of body, contacttracing (of the deceased), isolation and testing, would befollowed, he said.

"Whatever the protocols we will follow for a positivecase, here protocols will be followed," the official added.

According to a media bulletin on Tuesday night, thenumber of positive cases in the state rose to 928.

With 56 cases reported on Tuesday,the number ofactive cases in the state mounted to 711.

The bulletin said 23 people have succumbed to thevirus, while 194 had been cured/discharged. SJR SS