Activists request Government to consider WHO interim guidelines on disposal of bodies

Sunday, 5 April 2020 14:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In a letter dated 4 April, 164 activists and 17 organisations have called on the Government to consider the World Health Organization (WHO) Interim Guidance dated 24 March on the disposal of bodies of those who have tested positive for COVID-19, or are suspected of being infected.

The request follows the Government’s decision to cremate the body of a patient of Muslim faith on 30 March, despite the Ministry of Health Provisional Clinical Practice Guidelines on COVID-19 Suspected and Confirmed Patients dated 27 March allowing for both cremation and burial.

The signatories stated, “When we face such a grave public health crisis there is a need to ensure that the mental health of our population is also given due attention.” They went on to explain that the Muslim faith requires burial as opposed to cremation and that, “The possibility of compulsory cremation therefore is a matter of great distress to practicing Muslims.” They also highlighted the need to ensure dignity in death and not stigmatise or criminalise patients as it would discourage persons from reporting possible exposure and seeking medical advice.