Assam Government Capped Expenses for the Cremation of COVID Victims

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Assam Government has announced an amount of Rs 5000-10,000 to be spent case-to-case basis for the cremation of COVID-19 victims in the event their relatives do not receive the bodies or they cannot bear the expenditure of the cremation.

The move has been taken as the deputy commissioners told the government of difficulties faced by them in the cremation of COVID-19 victims. The funds for this purpose will be provided by the National Health Mission, Assam.

Issuing a new set of SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for the disposal of bodies due to COVID-19, the government said that crematorium and ground burial staff will have to follow all standard COVID protocol of hand washing, wearing masks and gloves.

"Viewing of the dead body, by unzipping the face end of the body bag (to be done by the staff using standard precaution) may be allowed so that the relatives may see the body for the last time," the order mentioning the SOP stated.

Reading of religious scriptures, a sprinkling of holy water has been allowed but bathing, kissing and hugging of dead bodies are not allowed.

The ash can be collected as it poses no risk.

Large gatherings at burial grounds or crematorium are not allowed.

The other procedures of carrying the body in a body bag and decontaminating the vehicle carrying the bodies have also been mentioned.

The Joint Director of Health Services of the district concerned in consultation with the District Surveillance Officer, ISDP would supervise the proper disposal of bodies. It has to be done in line with the SOP and the Joint Director would issue a certificate to the DC.

Also Read: CM Visits Basistha Cremation Ground, Takes Stock of Beautification Project