Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jul 30: The funeral of an 80-year-old lady who was diagnosed with coronavirus infection at the time of her death, was performed at Boloor here. When conducting the funeral, government rules were thrown to the winds illegally and locals who were numbering about 150 performed the funeral on their own without conforming to safety norms.

Now, panic has spread as people are apprehensive that the infection might spread to a large number of people from the area.

Representational image

This shocking incident happened at a time when coronavirus is suspected to be in the phase of community spread. The preliminary rituals that are performed before the funeral were attended on Sunday night and the funeral was performed on Monday morning. The district health officer confirmed that such an incident had indeed happened.

It is said that the private hospital where the lady was under treatment handed over the body to the family in spite of being aware of her infection. The family members concealed this information and performed the funeral in the present large number of locals. Locals allege that a strong lobby has worked behind this incident.

Health department officials say that corona-positive report was received after the funeral. But as per rules, irrespective of the causes of death, funeral cannot be performed before the receipt of this test report. If the result is positive, the government arranges for the funeral, duly following safety measures required. In case the result is negative, the body is handed over to the family.

A lady aged 80 suffering from fever had been admitted into a private hospital here on Sunday. Immediately samples for malaria and COVID tests had been collected. It was confirmed shortly thereafter that she was suffering from malaria. Corona report was not received. The lady died the same evening after suffering a heart attack. The family which used influence, got the possession of the body and returned home.

At night, about 150 locals gathered and as per tradition, performed bath and other rituals duly touching the body. As is customary, Tulsi water was poured into her mouth; On Monday morning, the body was cremated at Boloor with the help of firewood. In this programme too, many locals participated.

The people came to know that the lady had infection only after the funeral in the morning. They are apprehensive and many have got themselves self-quarantined. Some locals claim that several of the participants of the funeral are freely moving around. A lady living in the neighbourhood who participated in the rituals related with the funeral has been confirmed of the infection. This indicates that many others also might have been infected. Her house and a house next door have been sealed down.

District health officer, Dr Ramachandra Bairy, stated that COVID-19 test is mandatory in private hospitals also irrespective of the causes of death. He noted that once the throat swab samples are sent for testing, funerals cannot be performed without the receipt of the report. He noted that the body of the woman from Boloor was handed over to the family before the receipt of the report. He said legal action will be taken against the hospital concerned if a written complaint is made.