TELL Magazine

Following the congestion in mortuaries by non-coronavirus related corpses, Ondo State Government has ordered that burial can now take place in the state. 
Wahab Adegbenro, the State Commissioner for health who said this on Saturday, in Akure the State Capital, made it clear that such funerals must take place within the next 30 days, after which the government may resort to mass burial of unclaimed bodies at the state health facilities.

“Morgues in government hospitals were already congested and if urgent measures were not taken, it would constitute a public health hazard to residents of the state. Decongesting the morgues in government hospitals will take effect from Monday, May 11, 2020. The ultimatum is given in the best interest of all.”
The commissioner recalled that a circular was earlier issued, stating that there is no prohibition of the burial of the loved ones but that the COVID-19 precautionary measures must be strictly adhered to.

According to him, the government circular, which stated that even though funerals will be allowed at the graveside, no parties or reception will be allowed before or during the burial. Warned that not more than 20 persons should attend such burials even as he made it clear that they must all wear masks, which he said was now compulsory in the state.
“Burial rites and services must be held at the graveside with not more than 20 people in attendance and social distancing rule obeyed to the letter.
“No burial services in churches or mosques or partying after burial until the coast is cleared,  nose masks must be worn by all attendees. Soap and water provided for handwashing /hand Sanitizer provided.”