Thread by @mryawarabbas

First death of a Pakistani national in Greece by #COVID19 & the Embassy's experience of handling the case (thread).

A Pakistani national passed away in Athens on 8th September, due to COVID-19. He'd been hospitalized for 5 days, and in his last 3 days, he was in intensive care.

The Embassy of Pakistan in Athens was in contact with the hospital to provide the patient the best possible care. However, he lost the battle.

The deceased's spouse & son are also infected with #COVID, and are quarantined at their home.

After he passed away, the process of repatriation of his dead body to Pakistan was initiated immediately, as it was requested by his family.

The Embassy contacted airport authorities, cargo offices, airlines and obtained their approval for the transportation of the dead-body.

No Objection Certificate from the concerned District Health Officer in Pakistan was also obtained.

According to local rules, transportation of a dead body to a foreign country strictly requires embalming. This is the single most important step.

The National Public Health Organization that handles #COVID19, under the umbrella of Greek Health Ministry, informed us that according to a Directory, Ref. No: D1c/G.P/oik.25456, embalming of a dead-body from COIVD is not recommended because it is hazardous for public health.

The Embassy could not find any doctor, who was willing to do embalming, and could issue the requisite certificate. We were told that nationals of other countries who have died from COVID-19, in Greece, are also being buried here.

The Embassy also sought opinion of Dr. Hamid Shah, a Pakistani doctor, based in Greece, who is among the 12 doctors that have been appointed by the Greek govt as focal persons for infectious diseases. He was also of the opinion that the dead-body must be burried in Greece.

Hence, the family and the Embassy has decided that the deceased will be buried in Greece tomorrow. The Mission has extended all possible help to the family in arrangement of funeral and transportation of the dead body, for burial in a Muslim cemetery in Komotini region of Greece.

It isn't allowed for the family to see face of the deceased. A simple funeral would be held in the graveyard. His family members who are quarantined cannot attend the funeral. The dead-body can't be buried temporarily (amanat), as a COVID dead-body can't be exhumed for 10 years.

Pakistani expats are requested to be very careful about #COVID19 & take precautions. If God-forbid, you die, your loved ones won't see your face or even get your photograph. They won't even attend your funeral, due to possible quarantine. You will not be buried in your country.