Report on disposal of COVID-19 remains expected in coming days

Tuesday, 29 December 2020 01:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Health Secy to get document soon
Mannar and Eragama proposed as potential burial spots says Vasu

A report on the disposal of COVID-19 remains by the committee of specialists appointed by the Health Secretary is expected in the coming days, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said yesterday.

According to Dr. Samaraweera, the quarantine ordinance at present only permits the cremation of COVID-19 remains. However, the Government’s decision against the burial of remains, despite World Health Organisation recommending both burial and cremation, has been met with opposition both locally and internationally.

Amidst growing outrage, the Health Secretary appointed a specialist committee to once again look into the matter as per a request from Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi. This report, Dr. Samaraweera said, is to be handed over to the Health Secretary in the coming days.

“With it, we can find out if any changes will be or should be made to the decision,” the Chief Epidemiologist said.

The key argument made against the burial of COVID-19 remains is the possibility of groundwater contamination. However, on Sunday, Water Supply Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara stated that Marichchakattu in Mannar and Eragama in the Eastern Province have been identified as areas where groundwater is at least 30 feet below the surface.

A report on this has been handed over to the Prime Minister and the Health Minister for consideration, with Nanayakkara saying: “I attended a discussion the Prime Minister held with Muslim parliamentarians. I was tasked with finding areas where groundwater is not close to the surface and so I asked our geologist if there are any areas where groundwater is at a very deep level.”

The geologist, Nanayakkara said, pointed out two places where groundwater is at least 30 feet deep according to a report.