CoCT cemetries to allow for visitors on Christmas Day; Mourners urged to follow COVID-19 protocols

The City of Cape Town’s cemeteries will be closed for burials on Christmas Day. Cemeteries will however be open for visitations.

Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross said there’s been an increase in visitors over the festive period, as families pay their respects to loved ones that they’ve lost and who are buried in the City’s cemeteries.

‘’To date, we have been spared a dramatic spike in fatalities during this fourth wave, so our cemetery operations have not been significantly impacted, which means we’ve not had to curb visitations this time round. However, I do want to encourage visitors and funeralgoers to please continue adhering to Covid-19 safety protocols at all times,’’ said Van der Ross.

In the past week, City cemeteries recorded 289 burials, up from 224 the week before. At the Maitland Crematorium, there were 107 cremations in the past week, compared to 104 the previous week.

‘’As we head into the peak festive season, I want to remind our residents to exercise caution and be extremely vigilant. We continue to experience a very high Covid-19 infection rate. And even though hospitalisations and death remain relatively low, the risk of contracting the virus, and infecting someone who is immune compromised should be a concern to us all.’’

‘’Our Environmental Health Practitioners continue to flag the apparent increase in non-adherence to the most basic safety protocols in some of our communities. Please do not be the reason why someone else’s festive season is jeopardised or ruined. Wear your mask, keep your distance and sanitise regularly,’’ added Councillor Van der Ross.

Van der Ross encouraged residents to consider weekday burials over the festive season, to reduce the congestion on weekends.

In addition, staff will be on standby for Muslim and Jewish burials, in accordance with religious requirements.

Cemeteries will operate until 13:00 only on the following days:

·        Sunday, 26 December 2021

·        Friday, 31 December 2021

·        Saturday, 1 January 2022

·        Sunday, 2 January 2022

 

‘’We urge the public and undertakers to please take note of the amended operating hours, in the event that they’re planning a burial or want to visit a cemetery,’’ said van der Ross.

PICTURE: Getty Images

 

Done By: Mitchum George