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Burying COVID-19 victims could lead to contamination of waterways: Expert

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12 November 2020 08:21 am - 25     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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There is a risk of COVID-19 virus contaminating water within the soil if those who succumb to the disease are buried, an expert said yesterday.

Professor Menthika Withanage said there is a risk element in this regard though there is no scientific evidence to prove it.

“Research has revealed that COVID-19 virus could survive even in streams and other waterways,” Professor Withanage said.

She said the Ministry of Health has appointed a special committee to look into the matter.

“COVID-19 virus is still new to the world as it was discovered only around ten months ago,” she added.


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  Comments - 25

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  • Michael zain Thursday, 12 November 2020 11:07 AM

    Contamination does it happen only in Sri Lanka

    Ahmed Murshid Idroos Thursday, 12 November 2020 06:51 PM

    Miracle of asia

    Ahmed Murshid Idroos Thursday, 12 November 2020 06:51 PM

    Miracle of asia

    Leel Thursday, 12 November 2020 07:26 PM

    Other countries has no waterways. Those exist only srilanka. Because srilanka is the lokema uthuma rata ne.

    Janek Rodrigo Thursday, 12 November 2020 11:26 AM

    What us her area of expertise?

    Nimal Thursday, 12 November 2020 06:50 PM

    World is not contaminated. Then why only srilanka. Becz ruled by fools

    Moh18 Thursday, 12 November 2020 06:55 PM

    Then, what about Corona person under Quarantine period. They using water, than that water is not spreading to this? There problem is only burial!!!

    Kumara Thursday, 12 November 2020 07:10 PM

    I never heard such a statement from an Expert Professor. No scientific evidence yet she says what she said.

    Demuni Uduwara Thursday, 12 November 2020 07:24 PM

    "No scientific evidences to prove it. "

    Ramesh Kanth Thursday, 12 November 2020 07:36 PM

    Please don't penalize the deaths based on their religion.

    Mifaz Thursday, 12 November 2020 07:59 PM

    We are all dumb and you are very intelligent

    Saroj Thursday, 12 November 2020 08:27 PM

    What about covid 19 patients stool and urine?don't they get contaminated?

    ari Thursday, 12 November 2020 08:29 PM

    The primary difference between the burial conditions in Sri Lanka and other countries is that our soil water levels are very high with significant wet weather conditions, many interconnected waterways plus high population density with people living close to burial grounds. The world is still learning about this virus and for us to make policy decisions based on incomplete data is unwise. We should all get together to fight the virus and not each other over burial rituals.

    Saroj Thursday, 12 November 2020 08:29 PM

    Risk element or race element?

    Asrar Thursday, 12 November 2020 08:30 PM

    Hope the expert would advice PHI's to close all septic pits as well

    Jay Thursday, 12 November 2020 09:21 PM

    WHAT ABOUT MIDDLE EAST ???

    Perera kollage Thursday, 12 November 2020 09:26 PM

    “ there is a risk element in this regard though there is no scientific evidence to prove it.” - she’s obviously not very intelligent. Lol

    Kumar Thursday, 12 November 2020 09:51 PM

    New York buried hundreds because the crematoriums were over whelmed and they had no problem. The corona virus can't exist in dead bodies forever.

    AB Thursday, 12 November 2020 10:05 PM

    We may belive different religious teaching, but if you live in a country the most believe different religions, then we better not challenge them but, better follow what scientists say

    Massdeen Thursday, 12 November 2020 10:13 PM

    If there is no scientific evidence the why should she talk about it, she should refrain from comments

    Dee Thursday, 12 November 2020 10:15 PM

    Madam! Which university did you go to?

    M. Sivanandha Thursday, 12 November 2020 10:33 PM

    I have said this in another posting also. Make burials with clay surround all around the well sealed container and cap the pit with one or two feet of well compacted clay. True high ground water or wet seasons can cause some reason for caution but that is where the clay surround and capping comes in. Clay is a good sealant. The Lincoln Tunnel and the Holland Tunnel linking New York City are underwater tunnels through clay riverbed built 90 years ago and still functioning well. If buried with clay encasement on higher ground in the areas of the deceased, it is doable. Water contamination should not be an issue.

    Shani Thursday, 12 November 2020 10:39 PM

    Why special treatment for one religion. If they can bury, other religions should be allowed to bury.

    Vigilante Thursday, 12 November 2020 10:46 PM

    Even a 6th grader knows how water gets contaminated

    Gaff Thursday, 12 November 2020 11:01 PM

    Nothing like srilanka


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