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Wednesday, 11 November 2020 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
A decision has not yet been made to permit burials for COVID-19-related deaths in the country, despite reports on Cabinet approval for the change in criteria for COVID-19 victims, the Government stated yesterday.
“Quite a few varying opinions and statements have been made with regard to the burial of Muslims or the final rituals of the Muslim community due to COVID-19. Some of the reports that say that the Cabinet gave approval to do so are completely false,” Cabinet Spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday.
He added that the final decision on changes to the criteria for the disposal of the remains of COVID-19-infected persons will be made by the health authorities as well as other relevant authorities. However, a discussion on the matter did take place on Monday.
“Within the discussion, the Cabinet gave a nod to refer it back to the authorities to make considerations on the basis of the dry zone and whether it is possible. So the decision stands and health authorities will come up with suggestions,” Rambukwella added.
A final decision will only be made following evaluations of technical and scientific aspects, including the effect burials can have on the soil.
Health Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara also confirmed that there was no truth to claims made of changes to the disposal criteria of the remains of COVID-19 infected persons. He added that, as such, only cremation will be permitted.
Despite both Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara and Keheliya Rambukwella emphasising the need to consider scientific and technical factors before burials can be permitted, the World Health Organization (WHO) in the interim guidance issued on 4 September on infection prevention and control for the safe management of a dead body in the context of COVID-19 states: “People who have died from COVID-19 can be buried or cremated according to local standards and family preferences.”
Health and Indigenous Medical Services Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi by regulations made under Section 2 and 3 of the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance (Chapter 222) on 11 April made it mandatory that the bodies who succumb to COVID-19 be cremated.
Justice Minister Ali Sabry has been among members of the Muslim community who have called for a revaluation of the regulations to allow for burials.
Members of the Muslim community have repeatedly appealed to the President and health authorities to rethink the decision, stating that WHO guidelines state that both methods can be allowed for disposing bodies.
