COVID-19: City fatality management plan remains in place
22 December 2020
With COVID-related fatalities increasing as a result of the current second wave of infections, the City reminds residents to be mindful of regulations governing funerals during the pandemic.
The City of Cape Town notes, with concern, the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in the metropole, as well as the increase in related fatalities.
The Western Cape has now surpassed 5 500 fatalities, and the City extends its condolences to the loved ones of those who have fallen as a result of the virus.
In the last seven days, fatalities increased by more than 100%, with 273 deaths attributed to COVID-19.
This, together with other, non-COVID related fatalities, means increased pressure on the City’s cemeteries.
The City is also mindful of the fact that there are two upcoming public holiday weekends, which will have an impact on burials and add pressure on operations. Burials will take place on 26 December (Boxing Day) for a limited time and at an increased tariff.
To this end, we are preparing for a marked increase in weekday burials over the next few weeks.
‘Saturday burials remain the most requested, and we renew our appeal to residents to please consider alternative burial days to relieve congestion and the associated risks that come with weekend burials. We would also ask that cremation be a consideration, where it is not prohibited on cultural or religious grounds. The City has a COVID fatality management plan, which we put in place during the first wave of the pandemic. All of the contingencies remain in place, in the event that we experience a further acceleration in the number of fatalities during this second wave. We remain committed to providing the highest possible standard of service to clients during what is a difficult time for any family who loses a loved one, but we also appeal for cooperation from the public in ensuring that our cemeteries do not become areas of COVID exposure,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Residents are reminded to:
- Consider weekday burials and alternative burial methods
- Limit funeral and graveside attendance to 100 persons
- Limit funeral services to two hours and burial services to 30 minutes
- Strictly adhere to COVID-19 protocols (social distancing, wearing masks, hand sanitising)
- Stay home if they feel unwell or have been exposed to a COVID-positive individual
‘Should the situation warrant it, our cemetery booking offices may allocate burial times and alternate days or dates to avoid bottlenecks and overcrowding at cemeteries. We ask that persons arranging funerals please take note of this, and abide by the booking they are provided, as well as the regulations limiting graveside services and attendance.
‘I also want to impress upon the public at large the need for extra vigilance during this second wave of infections, amid the confirmation that we are now dealing with a COVID-variant, which appears not only to be far more infectious, but is also causing serious illness among younger individuals with no history of comorbidities. The risk is no longer just present for persons with pre-existing chronic conditions, but for everyone. It is in our best interests to take heed of data and trends, and to make sure that now, more than ever, health and hygiene protocols along with the behaviour and decisions we make, are done with the virus top of mind,’ added Councillor Badroodien.
In the event of COVID-19 death in the home:
Call SAPS (10111), Emergency Medical Services (10177) and your family undertaker and inform them that the deceased had COVID-19.
Do not touch the body.
Handle the deceased’s belongings with gloves - clean with detergent before disinfecting with bleach.
Wash any clothing/fabric belonging to the deceased with warm water and laundry detergent.
Soak in bleach for approximately 30 minutes, rinse in clean water and allow to dry in full sunlight.• Follow up with your undertaker to instruct on burial or cremation.
Submit the necessary information to your undertaker for the death certificate application (DHA-1663) from Home Affairs.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
