MANILA - Families of coronavirus victims in the Philippines are being denied traditional death rites in favor of hurried, impersonal cremations, with virus restrictions often meaning they are forbidde
n a last look at their loved ones.
But due to the pandemic authorities are encouraging rapid cremations -- though quick burials are still allowed -- of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 deaths. The Philippines has detected nearly 9,000 infections and officially recorded 603 deaths, though due to a limited testing capacity the numbers are thought to be higher.Leandro Resurreccion IV, 26, wasn't allowed to visit his father as he was dying from the virus in hospital, and never saw his corpse -- just the plastic he was wrapped in.
The distant and impersonal process means crematory workers have to help comfort relatives who would normally have mourning rituals like wakes and family gatherings for support. Relatives understand the extraordinary nature of the pandemic, and accept that they won't ever see their loved one's faces again, he said.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Virus-hit Spain's jobless rate jumps to 14.4%The rise in joblessness in Spain for the 1st quarter of 2020 is concentrated in the services sector and among workers with temporary contracts. coronavirus
Read more »
Remembering World Press Freedom Day: Filipino journalists also'heroes' in COVID-19 fightWhile the Philippines continues to grapple with the virus, journalists play a crucial role in ensuring that the truth always counts WorldPressFreedomDay
Read more »
DFA: Filipinos abroad with COVID-19 now at 1,751; nearly 500 recoverMANILA, Philippines — Ten more Filipinos abroad have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), while three new fatalities have been reported, the
Read more »
UK shadows Italy as worst hit in Europe; virus death toll passes 28,000
Read more »
'Once Upon a Virus': China mocks US virus response in Lego-like animation
Read more »
ANA net profit dives 75% as virus hits air travelFor the fiscal year to March 2020, Japanese airline ANA logs a net profit of 27.6 billion yen ($258 million), a 75% plunge. coronavirus
Read more »