The second wave of COVID19 has caused destruction more than anyone would have predicted. Not just we have surpassed our number of affected four times than the first wave but also the number of deaths due to the pandemic has also increased exponentially. Due to this surge in the number of deaths the existing crematoriums and burial grounds have been finding it difficult to accommodate all casualties. Responding to this crisis country is facing Caritas Samaritans under the leadership of our partnering organizations took up the mantle of providing the last rites of the deceased. Currently, Caritas Samaritans across the southern cluster is across the southern cluster is actively involved in providing burial services.

In order to strengthen and further capacitate our volunteers, Caritas India took the initiative of organizing a virtual training program in collaboration with the International Centre for Humanitarian Forensics (ICHF). ICHF is the initiative borne out of unique partnership between Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). It is the world’s first institutionalization of Humanitarian Forensic Action within the first university of its kind, GFSU.
The Orientation on Protection and Dignified Management of the Dead during COVID-19 on 24^th May 2021. It was attended by more than 70 people via a virtual platform, including the volunteers and staff of various organizations. The medium of language used was English and the facilitators included Dr Rajesh Babu, Dr Darshana Sharma, Dr. Elif Günçe Eskiköy, and Dr. Abraham Johnson.

The orientation session began with Fr Paul Moonjely, Executive Director, Caritas India addressing the participants on the importance of following correct protocols while being engaged as a volunteer in managing the dead. He also spoke about the volunteering network of Caritas India under the name “Caritas Samaritans”. The session included eight sessions majorly focusing on Relevant policies, legislation and guidelines in India for the professional handling of the dead related with coronavirus; Using personal protecting equipment and body bags; Protecting the dignity of the dead especially in the Indian socio-cultural context; Protecting the physical and mental well-being of front-line workers; and Interacting with grieving families, communities and the public amid pandemic restrictions.

It was emphasized that, unlike other infectious diseases, Coronavirus may not spread from dead bodies affected with the virus. However, one must be careful about the contaminated droplets already on the equipment, vehicle, or bodies. So, it is essential that everyone handling the dead must be equipped with protective gear. Emphasis was also given on the psychological well-being of the volunteers and frontline workers and things to keep in mind while interacting with the families of the deceased. With regard to the guidelines and protocols on safety and burial pits etc., every state has their own prescribed measures which need to be looked up by the respective organizations and volunteers involved.

Experiences were shared by the volunteers and priests involved in the burial of the Covid-affected dead bodies. Fr Santosh, from Bengaluru, shared that his team has already buried 1450 dead bodies as of now with dignity and full protection. Mr. Mangal Raj shared that during the first wave they witnessed many families coming with the dead bodies without the coffin box. So, they had to bury without it. During the second wave, the team has been more prepared. The cremation area is sanitized with the chemicals as per the protocol.

As part of a further plan of action, it was decided to further disseminate the training to ground-level volunteers in their respective regional local languages. Also, it was proposed to create a knowledge product with various initiatives in different states by volunteers pertaining to the burial of the deceased due to pandemics is created for public dissemination.