Dignified burials for Covid-19 fatalities
The health ministry is fully committed to ensuring that its actions do not cause more anguish to those who are already grieving.
STAFF REPORTER
WALVIS BAY
Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula has announced changes to the management of Covid-19 in Namibia, especially relating to dignified burials for those who die from the virus.
“The pandemic has affected all aspects of life, including the way we grieve and the burial of loved ones, especially those who die as a result of Covid-19,” Shangula said.
To this effect, the health ministry has compiled a document setting out the procedures and legal requirements related to Covid-19 burials.
'Strict conformity'
“The burial of those who succumb to Covid-19 must be seen in the context of legal requirements regarding the handling of the human remains of those who succumb to all other notifiable infectious diseases. In this regard, these requirements relate to the various stages of the process, namely, immediately after death, transportation of the body, the burial or funeral process,” Shangula said.
“The conducting of the burials must be in strict conformity with the adopted safe burial guidelines, consider cultural and religious norms of the families, and allow the family to practise the required rituals. “The covering of graves with mechanical ploughs is to be discontinued to ensure dignified burials for the deceased and the safe burials must not be conducted in haste, but within the time as agreed with the families.”
The minister said the bodies should be buried closest to where the death occurred, since the transportation of such corpses is not permissible.
“The ministry is fully committed to ensuring that our actions do not cause more anguish to those who are already grieving. Our officials will continue to do their best to conduct these processes in a manner that does not lead to feelings of hostility and animosity for families and loved ones of the deceased.”
Shangula emphasised that the reason for the enforcement of these measures is to protect the health and well-being of the nation.
“Improper handling of the human remains can lead to great tragedy. We do not wish that one funeral breeds more funerals. For this reason, everything that needs to be done must be done to prevent any infections. We therefore count on all Namibians for their understanding and cooperation.”
Post-mortem testing
The minister said that given the virulent nature of the coronavirus, it is vital to be certain whether or not a deceased was infected with Covid-19.
“This is necessary because the infection status will determine how the body of the deceased will be handled, so that in the case of positive results, infection can be prevented. A clinical decision is made either to collect a sample or not from a deceased. This is done on advice from health professionals on the ground. It is, however, discouraged that bodies be re-swabbed.”
In terms of the law and on recommendation of the World Health Organisation, autopsies are not encouraged, except in exceptional circumstances where it is required to determine the actual cause of death.
Cremation
The minister said the bodies of those who succumb to Covid-19 may be cremated. “This service is currently only available in Windhoek. Cremation is the choice and the responsibility of the family and not the state. The cremated body can be buried in the usual manner.”
Vaccine
Shangula added Namibia has been engaging the international community regarding the procurement of a Covid-19 vaccine. “Through the COVAX facility, we have participated in several meetings and interactions. More information will be provided in the coming weeks. As we pursue this matter, we are motivated to ensure that when a safe and effective vaccine becomes available, the Namibian people should be able to access it.”
WALVIS BAY
Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula has announced changes to the management of Covid-19 in Namibia, especially relating to dignified burials for those who die from the virus.
“The pandemic has affected all aspects of life, including the way we grieve and the burial of loved ones, especially those who die as a result of Covid-19,” Shangula said.
To this effect, the health ministry has compiled a document setting out the procedures and legal requirements related to Covid-19 burials.
'Strict conformity'
“The burial of those who succumb to Covid-19 must be seen in the context of legal requirements regarding the handling of the human remains of those who succumb to all other notifiable infectious diseases. In this regard, these requirements relate to the various stages of the process, namely, immediately after death, transportation of the body, the burial or funeral process,” Shangula said.
“The conducting of the burials must be in strict conformity with the adopted safe burial guidelines, consider cultural and religious norms of the families, and allow the family to practise the required rituals. “The covering of graves with mechanical ploughs is to be discontinued to ensure dignified burials for the deceased and the safe burials must not be conducted in haste, but within the time as agreed with the families.”
The minister said the bodies should be buried closest to where the death occurred, since the transportation of such corpses is not permissible.
“The ministry is fully committed to ensuring that our actions do not cause more anguish to those who are already grieving. Our officials will continue to do their best to conduct these processes in a manner that does not lead to feelings of hostility and animosity for families and loved ones of the deceased.”
Shangula emphasised that the reason for the enforcement of these measures is to protect the health and well-being of the nation.
“Improper handling of the human remains can lead to great tragedy. We do not wish that one funeral breeds more funerals. For this reason, everything that needs to be done must be done to prevent any infections. We therefore count on all Namibians for their understanding and cooperation.”
Post-mortem testing
The minister said that given the virulent nature of the coronavirus, it is vital to be certain whether or not a deceased was infected with Covid-19.
“This is necessary because the infection status will determine how the body of the deceased will be handled, so that in the case of positive results, infection can be prevented. A clinical decision is made either to collect a sample or not from a deceased. This is done on advice from health professionals on the ground. It is, however, discouraged that bodies be re-swabbed.”
In terms of the law and on recommendation of the World Health Organisation, autopsies are not encouraged, except in exceptional circumstances where it is required to determine the actual cause of death.
Cremation
The minister said the bodies of those who succumb to Covid-19 may be cremated. “This service is currently only available in Windhoek. Cremation is the choice and the responsibility of the family and not the state. The cremated body can be buried in the usual manner.”
Vaccine
Shangula added Namibia has been engaging the international community regarding the procurement of a Covid-19 vaccine. “Through the COVAX facility, we have participated in several meetings and interactions. More information will be provided in the coming weeks. As we pursue this matter, we are motivated to ensure that when a safe and effective vaccine becomes available, the Namibian people should be able to access it.”
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