Government amends burial bans effective immediately
Juanique Tennant / Our Today
The Government has made amendments to the ban on burials which will remain in effect until March 22.
In a release from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development dated March 14, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzieindicated that, effective March 13, the state will allow the following:
- The burial or cremation of bodies that are in advanced state of decomposition.
- The burial or cremation of bodies that are not in an advanced state of decomposition, but have been recommended for immediate burial by the appropriate health authorities.
- The burial or cremation of indigent persons who die in state care.
McKenzie emphasised, however, that despite the amendments to the ban made under these three circumstances, “only the clergy will be allowed to administer the final rites for persons who are buried or cremated… . No family gathering will be allowed. The current order prohibiting burials remains in effect.”
McKenzie also reiterated that “this ban on burials came about because of the total disregard for the COVID-19 protocols at grave sites all over the country, and the connection between this behaviour and the spike in cases and hospitalisations”.
McKenzie said: “The Government will continue to do everything to bring these numbers down, and save lives.”
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