Health minister Zweli Mkhize has issued regulations detailing measures to be taken in dealing with ‘mortal remains’ of those who have died of Covid-19.
The regulations state that ‘should the death rate appear to exceed the capacity of available space to keep mortal remains, the Government may intervene to facilitate mass burials.’
They require that ‘municipalities should identify land that can be used for mass burial should a need arise.’
The regulations spell out protocols for dealing with the bodies of those who have died of Covid-19, as well as for funerals. Cremation is recommended as the preferred option, and it is not permissible to store or view the body of a Covid-19 deceased in a home.
South Africa is set to move to Level 3 lockdown, but the health effects of the pandemic are likely to manifest themselves for months to come.
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