We need to talk about how to take care of the people who have died from #coronavirus.

Mass graves have quintupled in New York.

In Madrid, a skating rink was used as a morgue.

How are cities already decimated by conflict going to cope? #Thread

While we plan to save lives, we also have to plan how to take care of the dead.

Is enough land available to bury people when the virus hits its peak?

For instance, most cities in Africa won’t have enough space if there’s a heavy outbreak, leaving mass graves as the only choice.

Mass graves and rushing to bury the deceased means records can get lost.

Imagine losing a family member, and having the added pain of not knowing where they are buried or not being able to get a death certificate.

We need to be able to mourn together safely.

Funerals and burial rituals must to protect the living while respecting the dignity of the dead, balancing social distancing recommendations and the much needed time and opportunity to observe funeral rituals.

People working with dead bodies need to be protected.

They need personal protective gear, but they also need proper training, support and to have someone to talk to.

Mass fatality planning doesn’t mean there will be mass fatalities. But being prepared regardless is essential.

Having an emergency plan means respect and dignity for people who die during this pandemic, and their families. https://www.icrc.org/en/document/covid-19-authorities-must-urgently-plan-ahead-ensure-dead-bodies-are-properly-handled