WCG develops cultural and religious guide for managing Covid-19 fatalities | Western Cape Government

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WCG develops cultural and religious guide for managing Covid-19 fatalities

6 July 2020

As the number of fatalities increase across the province due to COVID-19, the Western Cape Government through the Department of Local Government and in consultation with our Faith Based Organisations (FBO) Network and various stakeholders developed a Provincial Guide to Cultural and Religious Practices in Managing COVID-19 Deaths.

The guide comprehensively:

  • Elaborates on steps to follow in cases of Covid-19 deaths in a government facility and in the community (at home)
  • Outlines the Covid-19 Provincial Funeral Policy inclusive of the legal framework for managing Covid-19 deaths
  • Provides more information on the handling of confirmed or suspected Covid-19 decedents

The Provincial Guide to Cultural and Religious Practices in Managing COVID-19 Deaths can be found here

Head of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Faith Based Organisations, Minister Ivan Meyer said, “With the increasing loss felt, the Western Cape Government together with our FBO Network offer bereavement and psycho-social support through our Department of Social Development to all those we serve.

"During this unprecedented time of bereavement, we also urge all to adhere to the Provincial Guide and national funeral regulations and strongly encourage reporting non-compliant undertakers to their relevant municipal offices. As part of the Western Cape Government’s Whole of Society Approach we wholeheartedly thank our spiritual leaders for their unique insights into the social and spiritual wellbeing of our citizens.

"From the Whole of Government Approach, we express our gratitude to each district municipality and Western Cape Government Department for their cooperation and support during these extraordinary circumstances.  As the peak now approaches we are proactively engaging all stakeholders to stay safe, save lives and stay strong.”

If psycho-social support is needed please do not hesitate to contact us on our hotline number 0800 220 250 to be connected to your nearest local office or visit this website.

For additional support, kindly contact the bereavement helpline on 082 925 5938 or 079 872 6408

For District Municipality Offices contact details, kindly visit this web page.

We acknowledge the exceptional work done by our religious leaders during the Covid-19 lockdown period, as we continue to engage in our joint efforts to combat this pandemic.

For further information on Covid-19 please visit: www.westerncape.gov.za/corona or make use of our provincial hotline on 021 928 4102.

Media Enquiries: 

Stacy McLean
Spokesperson to the Faith Based Organisations Secretariat.   
083 504 1171