SHANGHAI-(MaraviPost)-A Shanghai nursing home has faced mass criticism after an elderly resident infected with COVID-19 who was declared dead and put in a body bag found alive.
This comes after a video footage surfaced showing health workers dressed head-to-toe in protective gear recoil as they realize the man in the body bag is still alive which has sparkled horror and outrage.
Government officials have confirmed the incident adding that the staff of the nursing home handed the body of the elder man to undertakers for cremation but had to take it back after the undertakers observed the movements.
The elderly patient was sent to a hospital where his vital signs have stabilized.
Shanghai media reported that the nursing home opened in 1983 and it has the capacity of more than 100 elderly people.
The Civil Affairs Bureau has stated that it has quickly established a joint investigation team with relevant departments, stationed in the new Long March Welfare Institute, and will punish those responsible.
Meanwhile, Putuo’s Civil Affairs Bureau director Zhang Jiandong has been reprimanded and faces further investigation. Deputy director Huang Yaohong, section chief for elderly services Liu Yinhua and Wu Youcheng, head of the Changzheng township social affairs development office, have been fired pending further investigation.
The authorities have reportedly also fired director of the Shanghai Xinchangzheng Welfare Hospital, Ge Fang, while the doctor in charge was barred from practicing medicine with the license revoked and will face further police investigation.
Shanghai Xinchangzheng Nursing Home has issued an apology following the incident and on the other hand, the funeral home has commended its employees for noticing the incident and taking quick action, it has reportedly rewarded the workers with 5,000 yuan (£600) each.
