Grieving families rage against Covid burial protocols
Bereaved families losing loved ones to the novel coronavirus are still finding themselves at odds with protocols put in place by the authorities to handle bodies of victims of the pandemic.
Some families have accused the government of inconsistently applying regulations, while others feel the cautionary move is exacerbating an already traumatic experience as cultural tradition falls by the wayside.
The pandemic has caused inconveniences from all avenues and perpetuated drastic changes to how things are done, especially from a cultural stand, when it comes to how funerals are conducted.
Ramana Mutjavikua, who recently observed the burial of his brother and former Erongo governor Cleophas Mutjavikua, said the rules and regulations surrounding Covid-19 burials should be derived from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and then adapted.
“There should be consistency in the interpretation of countries, especially those in the SADC region without having a lot of differences in the way burials are conducted due to culture and traditions,” said Mutjavikua.
Although he is cognisant of the sensitivity and health hazard as a result of the pandemic, Mutjavikua took issue with the manner in which health and safety procedures are being applied.
He said the country has failed to adequately interpret rules and regulations from the international public health body.
“This hasn’t been based on the scientific proof that is available and lacks consistency,” he said.
“I just buried my brother, and I was not allowed to put a pinch of sand in his grave but there was another Covid-related burial where relatives were permitted to throw sand in the grave. Furthermore, the late (Charles) Ngozu who was buried at Otjiwarongo was buried in an ordinary way like it usually happens, while my brother’s grave had to be 50 metres away from the other graves in Grootfontein.”
Late last year, government amended regulations to allow families to bury loved ones due to the pandemic within seven days as opposed to the initial 72 hours. This is done with strict conformity with the adopted safe burial guidelines, while families are allowed to practise the required rituals.
Unless cremated, the current regulation is that bodies should be buried closest to where the death occurred. Thus, transportation of bodies is not permissible. The cremation service is, however, only offered in Windhoek.
“When the cremation process takes place, it is only available in Windhoek and in the absence of that I feel more options should be given to the rest of the people, especially those who are unable to have their person cremated,” added Mutjavikua.
‘SOPs clear’
Meanwhile, health ministry executive director Ben Nangombe maintained yesterday the regulations on standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Covid-19 burials are clear.
“It states that as far as practically possible and taking sufficient care that nobody is exposed and there is no risk of infection or transmission of the virus, the family of the deceased will be allowed to conduct the traditional rituals, but this must be done in accordance with the prescripts of the regulations to ensure the risk of transmission is limited,” stated Nangombe.
He added: “What needs to be done is for people to fully familiarise themselves with the standard operating procedures regarding Covid-19 burials and the regulations. The main idea is to ensure that the grieving families are allowed to give a dignified burial.” He said it should be clear to officials of the health ministry and those involved in the procedures to implement the provisions to the letter.
“This means each member of the family should be treated equally, no level of preference, and the laws must equally apply to everyone.
“The fact that it is being alleged there are inconsistencies and preference is not how it should happen. I would also suggest whoever witnesses these inconsistencies or preferences can bring it to the attention of the ministry,” said Nangombe.
Traditional intervention
Also speaking to New Era on the issue, trade unionist and political activist Dankie Katjiuanjo urged traditional leaders to intervene and reach out to government on the matter. “I am not happy with the way Covid-19 related burials are conducted. My biggest problem – I think traditional leaders are at ease with the situation and relaxed while the nation is crying,” stressed Katjiuanjo.
“I realise that at the end of the day, most families are left unhappy and in sorrow. We appeal for the intervention of traditional leaders to analyse and reach concrete decisions on how to approach the government for this regulation to be revisited.”