Coronavirus has changed last rites rituals across the world
-Monica Aggarwal
The Coronavirus pandemic has killed more than 1,83,00 people globally, with the highest number of COVID-19 related deaths in the United States (as of April 23). While there are various burial rituals across different religions in the world, the pandemic has dramatically changed the funeral rites. World Health Organisation (WHO), in its March 24 guidelines, specified that the people who died from COVID-19 can be buried or cremated. However, the international body mandated to follow the guidelines while performing the last rites of the dead.
WHO has stated that there is no evidence of infections through the bodies of people who died from the disease. Although the family and friends of the deceased are allowed to view the body after it has been prepared for the final rites, they are not allowed to touch or kiss the body. According to WHO, standard infection prevention control practices should be followed including, the use of PPE (personal protective equipment) such as masks, gloves, eye-wear, maintaining complete hygiene, tightly sealing, and disinfecting the bag housing the dead body, and instruments used on the patient.
In its guidelines, the health agency has specified the authorities to protect and respect the dignity of the dead, their culture and religious traditions, and their families.
Keeping in view of the interim guidance issued by WHO, world governments also amended their regulations to honor the COVID-19 victims. Countries have asked to limit the number of attendees for the funerals to ensure social distancing.
China decided to cremate all the victims who died due to the virus. In many cases, China's National Health Commission did not allow funeral ceremonies or any other funeral activities and cremated the bodies immediately after their death. Sri Lanka adopted a similar strategy after the country amended its Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance on April 11, declaring the deceased to be cremated. The amended law banned the burial of Coronavirus victims and blocked the bodies to be handed over to their families.
In India, the government issued new guidelines for the disposal of COVID-19 victims, allowing both burial and cremation of the bodies according to the religious rites. The family members are, however, not allowed to bath, touch, or kiss the body. Large gatherings should be avoided while performing the last rites. The advisory prohibits autopsy and embalming of the body.
In countries like Pakistan and Turkey, distance burials are taking place where only a few people are present to honor the dead. For those who are physically involved in the burial are taking all precautionary measures and wearing PPEs.
Significantly, the WHO instructed to avoid hasty disposal of the COVID-19 deceased. It asked the authorities to manage each situation on a case-by-case basis, balancing the rights of the family.
The Coronavirus pandemic has killed more than 1,83,00 people globally, with the highest number of COVID-19 related deaths in the United States (as of April 23). While there are various burial rituals across different religions in the world, the pandemic has dramatically changed the funeral rites. World Health Organisation (WHO), in its March 24 guidelines, specified that the people who died from COVID-19 can be buried or cremated. However, the international body mandated to follow the guidelines while performing the last rites of the dead.
WHO has stated that there is no evidence of infections through the bodies of people who died from the disease. Although the family and friends of the deceased are allowed to view the body after it has been prepared for the final rites, they are not allowed to touch or kiss the body. According to WHO, standard infection prevention control practices should be followed including, the use of PPE (personal protective equipment) such as masks, gloves, eye-wear, maintaining complete hygiene, tightly sealing, and disinfecting the bag housing the dead body, and instruments used on the patient.
In its guidelines, the health agency has specified the authorities to protect and respect the dignity of the dead, their culture and religious traditions, and their families.
Keeping in view of the interim guidance issued by WHO, world governments also amended their regulations to honor the COVID-19 victims. Countries have asked to limit the number of attendees for the funerals to ensure social distancing.
China decided to cremate all the victims who died due to the virus. In many cases, China's National Health Commission did not allow funeral ceremonies or any other funeral activities and cremated the bodies immediately after their death. Sri Lanka adopted a similar strategy after the country amended its Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance on April 11, declaring the deceased to be cremated. The amended law banned the burial of Coronavirus victims and blocked the bodies to be handed over to their families.
In India, the government issued new guidelines for the disposal of COVID-19 victims, allowing both burial and cremation of the bodies according to the religious rites. The family members are, however, not allowed to bath, touch, or kiss the body. Large gatherings should be avoided while performing the last rites. The advisory prohibits autopsy and embalming of the body.
In countries like Pakistan and Turkey, distance burials are taking place where only a few people are present to honor the dead. For those who are physically involved in the burial are taking all precautionary measures and wearing PPEs.
Significantly, the WHO instructed to avoid hasty disposal of the COVID-19 deceased. It asked the authorities to manage each situation on a case-by-case basis, balancing the rights of the family.
Comments
Post a Comment