With the number of Covid-19 cases rising, some bereaved families and funeral organizers in the Oti region are ensuring that funeral ceremonies for their departed relations do not become a source for spreading the coronavirus.

The Gagbo family at Akaa in the Jasikan District during the burial of two of their beloved (father and son) on Saturday, August 7, ensured that all mourners and sympathizers were fully masked and had their hands sanitized before entering the main funeral grounds.

Although the right processes were followed, JoyNews observed that the sitting arrangements could not measure up to one-metre social distancing.

The Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, Kofi Adams, in whose constituency the funeral was organized, was there to mourn with the family.

He praised the family for ensuring the Covid-19 protocols were adhered to.

“I think generally, there have been some improvements in terms of wearing the nose masks. I can see about 90 per cent of the people wearing their nose masks. I commend the organizers for that.  My worry, however, is that people still lower the mask to the chin level and I have advised them (on that).”

According to the MP, residents must continue to observe the protocols as the new delta variant of Covid-19 is said to be deadly.

“They should continue to observe the protocols because we don’t want the third wave to be as deadly as people are predicting.”

For him, this must not be limited to the Gagbo family but all families must ensure the adherence to the protocols is ensured at all times as people may have moved from other regions into the Oti region.

“Anyone who is organising any social event or gathering must make sure that as much as possible, the protocols of distancing, the wearing of nose masks and of course, hand sanitizing before people enter the place is strictly observed and it will help.”

The Oti Regional NPP chairman, Evans Dapaah, who also attended the funeral praised the organisers for ensuring strict adherence to the safety protocols.

“So far so good. When I came, I realized that everyone was wearing a mask and for me, that is very laudable. This is commendable. The organisers of this funeral have done their possible best to ensure that we all comply.

“Covid-19 is real and I would want to entreat all and sundry to ensure that we all comply with the health protocols laid down by the Ministry of Health.”

Francis Kotorglo spoke on behalf of the family and explained why they ensured strict adherence to the protocols.

According to Francis, the family was burying two bodies and cannot afford to bury any more bodies after the funeral because of possible Covid-19 infections, hence its decision.

“We can’t bury more – once we are burying two people today, we have to ensure (that all are safe), and we have put in all the investments, and that is what you are seeing today.” 

“We are burying father and son today and we can’t afford to bury more. That is why we are ensuring that all are safe during this funeral.”