Reported about 1 year ago
In Tainan, Taiwan, a neighborhood chief was unable to contact the deceased's family due to privacy law restrictions while handling the affairs of an elderly person who lived alone. As a result, the body remained unattended for 5 hours. City councilor Wu Yuhuan raised concerns about the lack of a standard operating procedure (SOP) in such cases to ensure a dignified handling of the deceased. Mayor Huang Wei Che responded by suggesting reporting to the police or social services to locate the family. The civil affairs bureau emphasized that neighborhood chiefs, social workers, police, and institutional heads can act as applicants to notify funeral homes to transport the body. Efforts are being made to enhance the handling procedures for cases of lonely deaths without next of kin.
Source: YAHOO