Kenya's government is to release new guidelines on burial protocol for Covid-19 victims this week, after health ministry officials observed that bodies of people who died from coronavirus do not transmit the virus.

Chief Administrative Secretary Dr Rashid Aman admitted that earlier guidance was extreme.

Previously, corpses were wrapped in double bags and put in coffins that were later fumigated. After this, coroners dressed in full protective gear would carry the coffin and lay it on the grave.

In some instances, bodies were disposed in a manner that was not culturally and religiously appropriate.

Under the new guidelines, some of the areas that have changed after the revision will look at how to avoid contact with body fluids, how the body will be dressed and how it will be handled before and after the burial.

Dr Maria Van Kekhove, technical lead in the fight against Covid-19 globally says the World Health Organization has updated their guidance on burial protocols.

In the new guidelines, the use of body bags, protective equipment and ventilation will be required during autopsies.

This will help families conduct decent send-offs for their loved ones without stigma by the community.