Body keeps funeral practises in check

Adhering to protocols was crucial in burying people who died from Covid-19 to avoid any further spread of the virus, SA Cemeteries Association (Saca) chair Pepe Dass warned.

Saca ensured that all burial practices – across cultural and religious lines – complied with legislation and were “conducted in a manner to protect the environment and the dignity of South Africans”, Dass said.

“From the transportation and handling of the coffin to the corpse, the protocols are the same for all burials of infected people. Coffins must be handled by personnel using the appropriate personal protective equipment.

“No one is allowed to open the coffin or bags.

“Saca has also recommended a reduced number of mourners at cemeteries to include just the immediate family,” said Dass.

In terms of National State of Disaster regulations, burials should take place three days after a death.

While Dass said metros reported being prepared for Covid-19 funerals, land availability was key.

“Saca is aware that municipalities have in the past faced a challenge in providing burial land.

“In anticipation of a possible increase in demand, the association recommended to municipalities to identifying additional burial sites.

“It recommended that municipalities review the space within existing cemeteries,” said Dass.

“Look at occupying land adjacent to existing cemeteries and, as a last resort, look at alternative sites.”