COVID burials allowed at cemeteries, burial grounds; expenses no longer borne by Govt.

The permission has been granted to bury the bodies of those who succumbed to COVID-19 at any cemetery or burial ground with effect from tomorrow (5), the Ministry of Health said.

The Ministry made this announcement issuing new circular in respect of postmortem, diagnosis, disposal and reporting of COVID-19 related deaths.

According to the circular, the disposal of remains has to be done by relatives at their own expense and it will not be facilitated by the Ministry of Health or any other Ministries or departments hereafter.

"It is the duty of the relatives to provide a coffin for the deceased and the remains should be disposed within 24 hours by the relatives, family members after being released to them by the relevant authority," the circular precisely states.

Moreover, it said the cadaver couldn't be transported to any other place, such as funeral parlours or residences other than to the disposal site (cemetery or burial ground).

Previously, the burial of COVID-19 victims was permitted only in the Ottaamavadi area after concerns raised by several parties. (Sheain Fernandopulle)