Prepare for flood of Covid-19 deaths‚ warns cemetery association

The SA Cemeteries Association (Saca) has called on municipalities to plan for the potential demand for cemetery and cremation services as it anticipates an increase in deaths as a result of Covid-19.

“The SA Cemeteries Association is very much aware of the plight of what is to come‚” the association said in a statement.

“Without the threat of the virus and the impending catastrophe‚ SA cities are challenged with the disposal of remains‚ be it in the provision of burial space or that of cremating our loved ones.

“Our resources  in land‚ equipment‚ and economic and human capital will render us wanting.

“In light of these facts‚ Saca implores municipalities to speedily plan for the potential demand for cemetery and cremation services in response to the anticipated increase in fatalities due to the Covid-19 pandemic‚” it added.

Saca said an increase in deaths would prove to be a serious challenge as SA was poorly equipped for cremations‚ which it says is the recommended method by authorities locally and internationally for managing the treatment of corpses infected with the virus.

“It is estimated there are less than a hundred cremators available in the country, which will be insufficient for the anticipated demand,” Saca said.

“Many of these facilities are overburdened and in frequent need of repair.

“While South Africans in the main choose to bury their loved ones‚ it is a practice which is already proving a challenge to municipalities with regards to the availability of suitable land for burials.”

The association urged municipalities to identify available graves in advance for ideally burying a body in a single grave as opposed to a communal or mass grave.

“If it is logistically difficult to bury large numbers in single graves‚ then communal or mass graves need to be prepared.

“In this regard we urge municipalities to consider the mitigation of restrictions placed on the establishment of cemeteries by the department of environmental affairs and health to provide for the anticipated increase in demands for burials while still maintaining a safe environment.

“Guidelines for the prevention of waterborne contamination through the soil have been provided and need to be considered."

Municipalities are also requested to contact the association should they require  further guidance. — TimesLIVE

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