by Linda Straker
- People who have died from Covid-19 can be buried or cremated
- Cremation seen as safer option
- 3 individuals have died between Monday, 30 August and Wednesday, 1 September
Surviving family, relatives, and friends of any individual whose death is classified as Covid-19 related, will not be able to view the body before or on the day of burial or cremation.
People who have died from Covid-19 can be buried or cremated, but worldwide most undertakers are recommending cremation because it is seen as the safer option. An article published in May 2021 in the International Journal of Infectious Disease said that little data is available on the subject about the length of time SARS-CoV-2 remain in the corpse, but the genome was found in the corpse of an exhumed infected person, one month after the death. “The viral gene targets were still present in her lungs and heart; however, the virus was no longer alive,” said the article.
“Family and friends may view the body after it has been prepared for burial, in accordance with customs. They should not touch or kiss the body and should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after the viewing. Those tasked with placing the body in the grave, on the funeral pyre, etc., should wear gloves and wash hands with soap and water after removal of the gloves once the burial is complete,” said the WHO guidelines for the burial of Covid-19 bodies, which were published shortly after the pandemic was declared.
One undertaker explained that the body of an individual whose death certificate says ‘Covid-19 related’ is placed in a special leak-proof plastic body bag inside a special refrigerator while arrangements are made for final rites. “At the start of the pandemic we did not have that refrigerator but now we have one to place the body of Covid-19 related deaths,” said Thomas La Qua. Those tasked with placing the body in the grave, on the funeral pyre, etc., should wear gloves and wash hands with soap and water after removal of the gloves once the burial is complete.
Grenada is presently experiencing an outbreak of Covid-19, and 3 individuals have died between Monday, 30 August and Wednesday, 1 September. It is not yet known if the families will cremate or have a traditional burial.
Grenada’s first Covid-19 related death was in January 2021, and that individual was cremated.
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Shouldn’t the focus be on the health benefits of everyone alive? In Trinidad the coffins are sealed. What’s the big deal. At this point there are lots of uncertainties. Research is still ongoing just follow the rules. If this was done before we would not have been in this situation, vaccine or not. Use social media to encourage and stop being so negative all the time. So many are confused with what this person says and many a times all are untruths.
Why are some of you so quick to jump on Linda for every little thing? I guess non of you ever make any mistakes, as you are all perfect human beings.
That said non of this written statement, makes much sense or seem to have been given much thought.
For instance, why recommend creamation over burial. Either way, La Qua is still gets a piece of the action?
Last time I checked, SarsCov2 is a Respiratory infection, so once a person is dead…. they stop breathing.
So how exactly can a Respitory Virus get airborne from a corpse??
I understand the do not touch the dead body rule but little else in this edict, make much sense.
Obviously more bureaucratic rules and pantomime theatre that makes some petty offical feel self important.
Linda, Linda, Linda! Misinformation AGAIN!
Linda needs to take her time and do proper research before she writes. Some of her headlines are woefully weak and inaccurate. Contradictory headline and article.
Linda’s poor journalism again. Contradictory headline and article.
This headline contradicts the story following. There could be viewing but no touching nor kissing, according to WHO.