MANILA, Philippines — Families of coronavirus victims in the Philippines are being denied traditional death rites in favour of hurried, impersonal cremations, with virus restrictions often meaning they are forbidden a last look at their loved ones. It is a painful and disorienting process for both the families and crematory workers that has upended the Philippines’ intimate rituals of laying the dead to rest. Before the virus struck, families opting for cremation were able to have one last look at their loved one before the body was consigned to the flames. As well as the tough work of consoling relatives, the crematory workers also live with the fear of getting sick themselves. Elevaso follows that advice and also scrubs his body with rubbing alcohol before returning to his family after every shift.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 03, 2020 04:30 UTC