Ecuador: Nearly 800 bodies removed from homes in Guayaquil amid COVID-19

Ecuador said that police have removed around 800 bodies from homes in Guayaquil, epicentre of country’s coronavirus outbreak, after complaints of mishandling. Reports of abandoned bodies lying on streets shocked world last week which forced President to anunce an investigation in manment of bodies who died from vel coronavirus.

Ecuador has reported over 7,400 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 333 deaths due to infectious disease. COVID-19 outbreak overwhelmed health and emergency services of Latin American nation and funeral homes buckled under pressure of handling so many bodies.

Pedro Pablo Duart, Goverr of province of Guayas, thanked Barcelona Sporting Club for donating coffins to help bury hundreds of deceased due to health crisis. Jorge Wated, who has been leading a team of police and military personnel to control situation, told Mayor Cynthia Viteri on Twitter that it is t time for politics.

Inquiry into manment of bodies

On April 8, President Lenin More anunced an investigation into manment of bodies of people who died from coronavirus infection, especially in Guayaquil. Ecuadorean President shared letter on Twitter seeking an inquiry into victims of COVID-19 disease after ir families and friends bombarded administration with complaints of mishandling.

Read: COVID-19: Ecuador President Launches Probe Into Mishandling Of Victims’ Bodies

Ecuador reported a sudden rise in number of deaths and backlog led to bodies being stored in homes of relatives or were being refrigerated in shipping containers. However, Monero said that people who died, “deserve a goodbye with dignity”. According to media reports, country's Health Minister fired an official who asked for money in an exchange of handling of coronavirus victim's body.

Read: Ecuador Stores COVID-19 Victims In Giant Refrigerated Containers As Morgues Get Full

According to latest report, over 1.8 million coronavirus cases have been confirmed worldwide with more than 114,800 deaths, overwhelming health care facilities across globe. United States, Italy, Spain and France are worst-hit countries due to pandemic with over 64 per cent of death toll reported from se four countries alone.

Read: In Coastal Ecuador City Families Wait With Mounting Dead

Read: South Korea To Import 6 Lakh COVID-19 Testing Kits To US: Reports

(Im source: AP)