Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002)NoticesDirections from the Department of Health to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-1914. 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. |