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Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002)

Notices

Directions from the Department of Health to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19

14. Disposal of COVID-19 mortal remains: Burial or cremation

 

(1) Cremation is highly recommended where a person has passed on due to COVID-19.

 

(2) A burial or cremation of COVID-19 mortal remains must be carried out in accordance with the Human Remains Regulations.

 

(3)

(a) Burial services must be as short as possible but may not exceed two hours, in order to minimise possible exposure.
(b) Mourners must observe physical distancing during and after the burial service.

 

(4) Only close family members should attend a funeral and burial service.

 

(5) For the purposes of protecting the health of the mourners at a burial service, a person who is ill or is a patient should not attend a burial service irrespective of his or her relationship with the deceased.

 

(6) Those tasked with placing the body in the grave, on the funeral pyre, etc. must wear gloves and wash hands with soap and water once the burial is complete.