COVID-19 INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE: COVID-19 resources to manage the COVID-19 situation in a way where dignity and respect are still the in the spotlight. Embracing the family or even shaking their hands are considered a thing of the past, so how do we present ourselves now? Are a decent bow and compassionate behavior enough to convey we are there for them? Everyone who is entered in the Swedish population registry pays a mandatory burial fee through their taxes. This applies regardless of the person’s religious convictions and is a charge meant to cover some of the costs that arise when someone dies, including: • a burial plot for 25 years • burial and/or cremation • certain transportation of the coffin/casket • premises for safekeeping and viewing of remains • premises for a funeral ceremony with no religious symbols These services must be provided at no additional charge to the family, even in a parish other than the parish where the deceased was registered. Additional services for which the deceased’s estate must pay include the coffin/casket and dressing for the deceased person, decorations and flowers, obituary notices, the funeral ceremony and/or memorial service, headstone and grave maintenance. --Jerker Nilsson Palau Funeral Home & Chapel – Koror, Palau Palau is lucky to be coronavirus-free as of this writing and we hope it will remain free from the virus. Some restrictions are still being implemented in our community like social distancing and wearing masks at selected establishments. Some public places like parks were temporarily closed but have since re-opened. Our tourism sector is affected just like the rest of the world but the government has been extending its help to employees who are impacted by this situation. As for the funeral home, we continue to work and coordinate with the Ministry of Health regarding the protocols we will follow for any COVID-19-positive remains if we do have a case. Training for embalmers is continuously done, plus protective equipment and supplies are kept in stock. Overall, the funeral home and its staff remain as-is despite the pandemic. --Lisa Borja Tmetuchl OGR’s new online LEARNING LIBRARY Professional development webinars made available on-demand to meet your busy schedule Coming soon... 18 www.ogr.org | Fall 2020
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