Cape Town - The province is urging the public to report undertakers who are non-compliant with its guidelines for cultural and religious practices in managing Covid-19 fatalities.
The guidelines for cultural and religious practices in managing Covid-19 fatalities have been developed in consultation with faith-based organisations (FBOs) and other groups.
The head of the provincial cabinet’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Faith Based Organisations, Ivan Meyer, said: “During this unprecedented time of bereavement, we also urge all to adhere to the provincial guide and national funeral regulations and strongly encourage reporting non-compliant undertakers to their relevant municipal offices.”
Meyer said: “Together with our FBO Network we offer bereavement and psycho-social support through our department of social development to all those we serve.”
A spokesperson for the faith-based organisations secretariat, Stacy McLean, said: “As the number of fatalities increases across the province due to Covid-19, the province, through the Department of Local Government and in consultation with our FBO Network and various stakeholders, developed a provincial guide to cultural and religious practices in managing Covid-19 deaths.”
McLean said: “The guide comprehensively elaborates on steps to follow in cases of Covid-19 deaths in a government facility and in the community (at home); outlines the Covid-19 Provincial Funeral Policy inclusive of the legal framework for managing Covid-19 deaths and provides more information on the handling of confirmed or suspected Covid-19 dead.”
McLean said: “We acknowledge the exceptional work done by our religious leaders during the Covid-19 lockdown period, as we continue to engage in our joint efforts to combat this pandemic.”
“If psycho-social support is needed please do not hesitate to contact us on our hotline number 0800220250 to be connected to your nearest local office or visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development.
“For additional support, contact the bereavement helpline on 0829255938 or 0798726408,” said McLean.
The guide to cultural and religious practices in managing Covid-19 deaths can be found on https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/resources. In May the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape issued a statement on travel protocols between them following a meeting to discuss solutions to improve management of travelling, transportation of bodies during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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