There have been instances of COVID-19 deceased not being treated with the requisite protocols and dignity in many parts of the world, due to the high mortalities.

There were reports of bodies are being left in the streets in the overwhelmed Ecuadorian city Guayaquil. Huge mass graves, photographed from space showed the scale of Iran’s devastation under COVID-19.  

In Italy, COVID-19 deaths were so high in some places, that there were long wait for burials. Funerals took place with no family members present.

In India, there have been media reports that bodies of COVID-19 victims were dumped in a large pit in Bellery in Karnataka. There have also been pictures of bodies of COVID-19 deceased being transported through earth-carriers and handcarts.  

With the rising COVID-19 death toll, Delhi Gate cemetery was reported to be running out of burial space.

These instances are desperately depressing. Granted, that the health, municipal and hospital workers are under severe pressure due to the pandemic. They too are weary of the laborious and depressing work.

However, the authorities  should try to find a way to ensure that those who pass away due to COVID-19, receive decent last rites and their mortal remains are treated with due respect.

Difficult times come and go. However we should never lose our humanness and humanity.

Rajendra Aneja — Mumbai, India