BY ARGYLL GEDUCOS
It’s literally a quiet week in the country as Malacañang declared that all public and private cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbariums will be closed to visitors from October 29 to November 4.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the announcement after Metro Manila mayors agreed to close all cemeteries during the All Souls’ and All Saints holidays to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The All Saints’ Day falls on a Sunday (Nov. 1) while the All Souls’ Day is on Monday (Nov. 2)
In his press briefing, Roque urged the public to visit their departed loved ones before or after the week-long closure of cemeteries.
“Sa buong Pilipinas, isasara po lahat ng sementeryo, kasama na po ang mga columbarium, from October 29 to November 4,” he said.
“Pwede naman po tayo dumalaw bago isara at matapos isara ang mga semeteryo,” he added.
Roque said all cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbariums in the entire country will be open to the public from September 17 to November 15 but only at a maximum of 30 percent of the venue’s capacity.
He said that the age restrictions currently being implemented will not apply to visitors to the said places from September 17 to November 15.
“Hindi po mag-a-apply ang age restrictions sa mga bisita sa mga nasabing lugar dahil alam naman natin na talagang yung mga seniors pati mga bata ay talaga namang inaalala rin ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Roque said.
The Palace official, however, reminded the public that the wearing of face masks and face shields and social distancing are still required when visiting cemeteries.
Last week, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque suggested that there should be a system for this year’s All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day observation or Undas to prevent the exodus of people in cemeteries during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
