Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) with special reference to deaths due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19)

In communicable diseases pandemic, death certificates are vital for public health surveillance and deaths. A uniform protocol is expected for the same as inconsistent death certification protocol may lead to misleading death-related statistics. Deaths due to COVID-19 may occur in varying circumstances and even in patients without prodromal symptoms. Similarly, deaths in suspected COVID-19 patients may be misdiagnosed or certified. An accurate certification of deaths due to COVID–19 infections is vital as it is critical for ongoing public health surveillance and response. Similarly, e-Mortality (e-Mor) software, hosted by The National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR) should be used as it records details of the death of all institution and non-institutionbased deaths with a guide to prevent errors in the cause of death. The article is intended to guide health professionals on proper causeof-death certification for cases where confirmed or suspected COVID–19 infection resulted in death.