Clear-cut explanation is deemed necessary from experts and the government on safe methods and provisions on the burial of corpses exposed to coronavirus to ensure it is not transmitted to members of the public
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council Anwar Abbas called for the need for experts and the government to furnish comprehensive information to the public on procedures to handle bodies of COVID-19 patients.

Abbas drew attention to cases coming to light of residents refusing to bury the bodies of COVID-19 patients owing to ignorance regarding safe procedures to handle bodies of COVID-19 patients.

"Clear-cut explanation is deemed necessary from experts and the government on safe methods and provisions on the burial of corpses exposed to coronavirus to ensure it is not transmitted to members of the public," Abbas told reporters in Jakarta on Thursday.

Abbas said residents refused to bury the corpses of COVID-19 patients over fears of contracting the coronavirus.

This sense of fear and uncertainty arose since they were unaware of the safe procedure to bury the bodies of patients infected with coronavirus.

Abbas believes that people will not refuse to bury the bodies of COVID-19 patients once they had gained a proper understanding of the safe procedures to handle them.

In Islamic teachings, those still alive should respect the bodies of the deceased, including by burying them.

Abbas also urged residents to understand the principles of safe handling, so they are not petrified of accepting the bodies of COVID-19 patients.

He believes it was completely natural to harbor fears of contracting the coronavirus, as the disease was contagious and could result in death.

However, he advised against harboring undue fears over matters that lacked scientific backing.
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