MMDA suggests week-long closure of cemeteries due to COVID-19 threat

The Metro Manila Development Authority of Thursday recommended a week-long closure of cemeteries in time for the observance of the traditional All Saints and All Souls Days on November 1 and 2, given the COVID-19 health crisis, an official said.

“May recommendation na kami na one week isara ang mga sementeryo. Iyong sa dates, inaantay na lang na maaprubahan ng IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force),” according to MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia.

“Puedeng October 29 to November 4 or October 28 to November 3,” Garcia added.

Likewise, he encouraged Local Government Units to come up with more specific guidelines, like Marikina City's plan to allow visitors to their departed loved ones’ graves ahead of the planned closure, but only at a 30% capacity of the cemetery.

“Ayaw naman po natin na isang barangay ang sabay-sabay na pupunta kasi baka magka-mass gathering po. Sana po may isang miyembro na lang ng pamilya na dumalaw, magtirik ng kandila, at sa bahay na lang po ipagdasal,” Garcia said.

Garcia said that the gradual flow of cemetery visitors would also mean distributed income for those who are earning a living out of selling flowers and candles, as well as cleaning graves.

As of Wednesday, the Philippines recorded 272,934 COVID-19 cases. Of this number, 207,858 recovered, while 4,752 died. The number of active cases is at 60,344.

On Wednesday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also said that the Department of Health has spotted an increase of COVID-19 cases in 53 areas nationwide. —LBG, GMA News