Crematoriums in Metro Manila struggle with hike in COVID-19 deaths

Several public crematoriums in Metro Manila are struggling to keep up with the number of patients dying from coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

According to a report on “Stand for Truth” on Wednesday, the number of cadavers that had to be cremated in the Pasay City Public Crematorium last week reached at least 32.

Based on the crematorium’s data, a total of 46 cadavers were cremated in January 2021.

This increased to 63 in February and rose to 405 in March.

At the Baesa Crematorium, 164 cadavers were cremated in January.

In February, the number dropped to 125, but jumped to 212 in March.

Local government units assured that they are dealing with the issue.

The country has so far recorded a total of 819,164 cases of COVID-19 including 646,404 recoveries, 14,059 deaths and 158,701 active cases. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News