‘Coordination with bgy officials for COVID-19 burials needed’

By Ralph John Mijares

ROXAS CITY—A resolution asking coordination between and among barangay officials where cemeteries are located for burials of COVID-19 victims was recently approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP).

The resolution adopts Department of Health (DOH) Memorandum 2020-0158 requiring such coordination.

Proponent Councilor Cesar Yap Jr. said that proper handling of deceased COVID-19 patients is important to help curb the spread of the disease.

Per safeguard standards, appropriately using protective personal equipment (PPE) and safety procedures is important in preventing COVID-19 infection from the living and the dead, Yap said.

By following the said DOH memorandum, it would help in the coordination and communication process in handling the remains of the deceased COVID-19 persons.

A week before the creation of the ordinance, Yap met with Norma Villano of Barangay Banica. Villano shared the alleged hurried nature of a recent burial and the alleged non-wearing of PPEs.

City Councilor Moreno Gonzaga also shared that he saw a gravedigger who was not wearing a facemask inside the cemetery.