I found out during this pandemic you can provide a cause of death without an autopsy lol. And, a governor can announce a cause of death without an autopsy and without a medical license haha.
Conducting an autopsy to determine COD is extremely unusual even in ordinary times
And since current discussion includes heavy focus on NY and NYC you might also be unaware that practicing Jewish people will absolutely not permit an autopsy for *any* death sans a court order that might be issued in a case with probable cause to suspect death by foul play