Courtesy Hiru News

he Extraordinary Gazette Notification (No. 2216/38 – THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021) allowing the cremation or burial of COVID-19 dead bodies has been issued.

REGULATIONS made by the Minister of Health under Sections 2 and 3 of the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases<br />Ordinance (Chapter 222).

Regulations relating to Storage of Grain and Regulations relating to Anchylostomiasis published in Gazette No.7481 of August 28, 1925, as amended from time to time, are hereby further amended in regulation 61A thereof as follows: –

(1) by the substitution for the words, Cremation of Corpse” of the words Cremation or burial of the corpse”;

(2) in sub regulation (1) thereof, by the substitution for the words shall be cremated-” of the words may be cremated or buried. In the case of cremation, the corpse of such person shall be cremated-” ;.

(3) by the insertion immediately after sub regulation (1) thereof, of the following new sub regulation:- (1a) In the case of burial, the corpse of such person shall be buried in accordance with the directions issued by the Director General of Health Services at a cemetery or place approved by the proper authority under the supervision of such authority.” 

(4) in sub regulation (2) thereof, by the substitution for the words, duties of cremation” of the words duties of cremation or burial” ; and

(5) in sub regulation (3) thereof, by the substitution for the words, by placing them with the coffin during cremation.” of the words by placing them with the coffin during cremation or in the case of burial, by taking such steps in accordance with the directions as may be issued by the Director General of Health Services.