COVID-19 Deaths, Thought Cremation Was Mandatory... Burial Has Been Allowed Since Two Months Ago

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] As COVID-19 deaths rapidly increase, crematories nationwide have reached full capacity, and it is known that under the current funeral management guidelines, burial of bodies is also possible.

On the 25th, the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) stated in a briefing, "Unlike before, the revised COVID-19 funeral guidelines allow for the option of burial."

In fact, according to the revised "COVID-19 Deceased Funeral Management Guidelines" updated on January 27, cremation is recommended. Additionally, if effective infection prevention measures can be implemented, the funeral method and procedures respect the choices of the bereaved families.

Previously, funeral procedures were regulated as "cremation first, funeral later" due to the risk of COVID-19 infection upon contact with the body. When criticism arose that this principle was too harsh for the bereaved families, the guidelines were changed to allow cremation after the funeral.

However, there are criticisms that the health authorities did not properly inform the public of this fact. Because of this, many people still believe that COVID-19 deceased must be cremated only, causing confusion at the sites.

Regarding this, the authorities acknowledged the lack of proper guidance. Current laws stipulate that "bodies of first-class infectious disease victims must be cremated," but it was difficult to actively inform that "burial of COVID-19 deceased is also possible" through the subordinate guidelines issued by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

Meanwhile, due to seasonal factors such as the recent change of seasons and the surge in COVID-19 deaths, demand for cremation has increased, leading to expanded operation of cremation facilities across the country.

According to Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province on the 26th, the number of cremations at the funeral culture center cremation facility in Galhyeon-dong, Jungwon-gu, over the past month was 1,608, an 11.4% increase compared to the same period last year (1,444 cases).

Accordingly, the city has designated the period from today until April 15 as an intensive operation period for cremation facilities, increasing the daily operation frequency of each of the 13 cremators from 4 times to 6 times. Additionally, with the expansion of cremation facility operations, the cremation staff will be increased from the current 7 to 11.

Busan Yeongnak Park has decided to continue its temporarily expanded cremation facility operation policy into April. On the 25th, the Busan Facilities Corporation announced that from the 17th of this month until the end of the month, the number of cremations at Busan Yeongnak Park will be expanded to a total of 98 bodies per day (14 sessions), and this policy will continue until general cremation stabilizes.

According to the CDCH, as of midnight on the 26th, the number of COVID-19 deaths in South Korea is 323, which is 70 fewer than the previous day (393). The cumulative death toll to date is 14,617, with a cumulative fatality rate of 0.13%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.