Tragic lessons: ‘Covid-19 preparedness should include death caused by the virus’

When a person dies, will the novel coronavirus also die or still be alive?

Our Reporter
Dimapur, April 18 (EMN): The recent events that unfolded after the death of a Covid-19 patient in Meghalaya -- villagers denying burial as well as cremation, and the state government unable to find a place to lay him to rest for nearly 36 hours -- have raised concerns about the Naga public’s preparedness if a similar tragedy were to occur here.

In a telephonic interview with Eastern Mirror, the emeritus professor of constructive theology and philosophy at Oriental Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, said that part of the preparedness for Covid-19 would also have to include deaths caused by the virus.

Stating that the medical fraternity also needs to disseminate information on the issue, Aier felt there would be panic in the state if a death happens due to the virus.

“When the person dies, will the virus also die or still be alive? These things need to be made known to the public,” said Aier.

According to him, the state government needs to be prepared ‘as people are overwhelmed just with the notion of the virus’.

According to reports, many Christian countries are cremating the bodies of deceased Covid-19 patients or performing mass burials away from any human settlements.

“In advanced countries, cremation is also a choice among Christians,” said Aier and added that the availability of land is also an issue when it comes to burying the dead.

Citing the example of Naga Cemetery in Dimapur, which is already facing space constraint and bodies are being buried on top of the other, Aier felt that Christians in the state could also adopt the procedure of cremation.

“I don’t see why Christians cannot cremate; it is all in our mindset,” Aier said, adding that the church would have to prepare and educate the people’s mind first in order to do so.

“Elected members, respected leaders, churches, various leaders of the colony and the public should be honest and take criticism well,” he said.

With regard to the government receiving backlash over apparent lapses, Aier stated that everyone needs to co-operate as the government cannot do everything alone for the welfare of the state.

“God forbid if any death should happen due to Covid-19. The government has to streamline and be prepared,” shared Aier, adding that ‘a conflict is certain if Covid-19 patients are buried in the cemeteries of various colonies’.

Director of Peace Channel and principal of the Northeast Institute of Social Science and Research (NEISSR) Fr. Dr. CP Anto also said that it is not just the virus, but the stigma and fear associated with it have become equally dangerous at this point.

“We need to create awareness and leaders must take responsibility because of the fear that is incorporated in people,” said Anto.

“Many people are not willing to come forward for treatment because of the fear instilled,” said the father and stressed that an empathetic and caring approach needs to be enhanced.

He also felt that the government should spearhead more than the voluntary organisations, and issue advisories on various issues concerning Covid-19.

“It will substantiate and guide the public when we face the real issues; advisory concerning death and burial of Covid-19 patient, advisory on social distancing, types of emergency gathering and others is needed,” said Anto.

Further, he said that pastors and reverends should prepare the people to accept the reality to face any eventualities.

Concerning the burial or cremation of Covid-19 patients, Anto said that though it is 'painful', one should abide by the law and guidelines announced by the government.

“Cremation is more idealistic; if the government is announcing to do that, then we should follow as welfare of public is very important,” Anto said.

Guideline for burial/cremation

The government of Nagaland had on April 13 issued directives for Covid-19 hospitals to follow guidelines or standard operating procedures on the management of dead bodies in case of death due to Covid-19, in accordance with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s directive.

It included, among others, guidelines for burial or cremation.  

According to the notification, the corpse should not be taken out from the sealed coffin and it should only be buried/cremated along with the coffin.

“Religious rituals such as reading from religious scripts, sprinkling holy water and any other last rites that do not require touching of the coffin can be allowed,” it stated.

The directive further stated that gatherings at the cremation/burial ground should not be of more than 10 people and all social distancing measures should be followed at the funeral. At the same time, it added the funeral/burial staff and family members should perform hand hygiene after cremation/burial.

It also stated that the ‘ash’ of the cremated individual could be collected to perform the last rites, as ash does not pose any risk after cremation.