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Kenya: Government Bans Night Burials for COVID-19 Related Deaths
15 June 2020
Nairobi News (Nairobi)
By Hilary Kimuyu
The government has succumbed to public pressure and outlawed night burials of people who die of Covid-19.
There have been several incidents, particularly in Western Kenya, where victims have been buried at night amid protests from family members and locals.
CULTURAL PRACTICES
Speaking in Nyeri during the daily briefings on the pandemic on Sunday, Health Director General Patrick Amoth said he would send a circular to counties to remind them of the protocols on burial of Covid-19 victims.
"We are going to send an alert to the counties, to remind them of this protocol so that we have a dignified burial of those who succumb to Covid-19," Dr Amoth said.
He added that as long as the body has been taken care of well by public health officers, the body is safe. He also stressed need to be mindful of cultural practices.
"If a culture dictates that we don't bury at night, please hold on for another 12 hours so that the burial is held the following day," he added.
Kenya: Government Bans Night Burials for COVID-19 Related Deaths
15 June 2020
Nairobi News (Nairobi)
By Hilary Kimuyu
The government has succumbed to public pressure and outlawed night burials of people who die of Covid-19.
There have been several incidents, particularly in Western Kenya, where victims have been buried at night amid protests from family members and locals.
CULTURAL PRACTICES
Speaking in Nyeri during the daily briefings on the pandemic on Sunday, Health Director General Patrick Amoth said he would send a circular to counties to remind them of the protocols on burial of Covid-19 victims.
"We are going to send an alert to the counties, to remind them of this protocol so that we have a dignified burial of those who succumb to Covid-19," Dr Amoth said.
He added that as long as the body has been taken care of well by public health officers, the body is safe. He also stressed need to be mindful of cultural practices.
"If a culture dictates that we don't bury at night, please hold on for another 12 hours so that the burial is held the following day," he added.