Govt. allows burial of COVID dead

• Health Minister issues new Gazette

The Government yesterday announced the decision to allow the burial of those who died of COVID-19 as opposed to mandatory cremation hitherto.

The necessary Gazette Notification to this effect was issued last night by Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.

The Gazette amends the regulations made by the Minister of Health under Sections 2 and 3 of the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance (Chapter 222).

Regulations relating to Storage of Grain and Regulations relating to Anchylostomiasis published in Gazette No.7481 of August 28, 1925, as amended from time to time, are hereby further amended in regulation 61A thereof as follows: -

(1) by the substitution for the words, “ Cremation of Corpse” of the words “Cremation or burial of the corpse”;

(2) in sub regulation (1) thereof, by the substitution for the words “shall be cremated” of the words “may be cremated or buried. In the case of cremation, the corpse of such person shall be cremated-”;

(3) by the insertion immediately after sub regulation (1) thereof, of the following new sub regulation:-

“(1a) In the case of burial, the corpse of such person shall be buried in accordance with the directions issued by the Director General of Health Services at a cemetery or place approved by the proper authority under the supervision of such authority.” .

(4) in sub regulation (2) thereof, by the substitution for the words, “duties of cremation” of the words “duties of cremation or burial” ; and

(5) in sub regulation (3) thereof, by the substitution for the words, “by placing them with the coffin during cremation.” of the words “by placing them with the coffin during cremation or in the case of burial, by taking such steps in accordance with the directions as may be issued by the Director General of Health Services.”.

The move follows technical committee appointed to review approving burial of persons who die of COVID-19.