Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
20 April, 2026, 5:06 am
Central - 22°C Clouds
IN DEPTH
20 April, 2026, 5:06 am Central - 22°C Clouds

Those who have died because of COVID-19 can be buried or cremated – Dr. Fong

Those who have died because of COVID-19 can be buried or cremated – Dr. Fong

By Rashika Kumar
31/08/2020
Acting Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong

Acting Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong has confirmed that those who have died because of COVID-19 can be buried or cremated, and they are following the guidelines set by the World Health Organisation.

This follows concerns raised by some people last week as to whether proper protocols were followed when burying the COVID-19 patient who died last week.

Doctor Fong says they first need to confirm national and local requirements that may dictate the handling and disposition of the remains.

He says family and friends may view the body after it has been prepared for burial, in accordance with their customs.

Doctor Fong says those attending the funeral should not touch or kiss the body and should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after the viewing.

The Acting Permanent Secretary adds that those tasked with placing the body in the grave or on the funeral pyre should wear gloves and wash hands with soap and water after removal of the gloves once the ceremony is complete.

FEATURE NEWS
Death Certificate of Jone Vakarisi in circulation is a police document - Police
Police confirm that the Death Certificate of drug convict, Jone Vakarisi in circulation is a police document that is issued after the conduct of a pos...
11 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Obama, Mamdani sing ‘Wheels on the Bus’ with Bronx kids during first joint appearance
Former President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met for the first time on Saturday to read and sing with children at a Bronx ...
13 hours ago

PRF calls for explanation after peaceful march permit denied in Vuda
The Pacific Recycling Foundation is calling on authorities to maintain open civic spaces where people can peacefully express their views, especially ...
13 hours ago

Tanisha Bi graduates with Journalism degree, wins gold medal
Becoming the first in her family to graduate and win a gold medal has made it a proud double achievement for 21-year-old Tanisha Bi, who graduated ...
13 hours ago

Singh calls for stronger employer-worker dialogue to boost workplace safety and productivity
The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh has highlighted the urgent need for stronger psychosocial dialogue ...
13 hours ago

Nabouwalu set for transformation under new township plan
Nabouwalu is set to be transformed into a planned and economically viable township following Cabinet’s in-principle approval of the proposed ...
14 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau's State Funeral
Ratu Epeli was a highly respected Fijian chief and a people’s President as many would remember him on many occasions walking on the streets of Suva ...
4 days ago

TC Vaianu Coverage
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is urging the public to remain alert, prepared, and watch out for one another as Tropical Cyclone ...
11 days ago

Citizens to oppose proposed TNG Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda
Serious concerns are being raised regarding a proposed Australian company's TNG Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda, and a group of concerned ...
11 days ago

TOP