LGUs ask nat'l gov't to allow cemeteries to open on October 30-31, 2021

Some local government units are asking the national government that they be allowed to open public cemeteries on October 30 and 31 in observance of the Undas season or All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, League of Provinces of the Philippines president Marinduque Governor Presibitero Velasco Jr. said many visitors would still troop to cemeteries even with the closure just on different dates.

“Yung ibang LGUs ay humihiling po na puwede nating buksan kahit October 30 to 31 (Other LGUs are appealing to open cemeteries on October 30 to 31),” Velasco said.

He added that local government units would ensure that health protocols in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic would be observed.

Earlier, the Inter-Agency Task Force passed a resolution ordering the closure of all cemeteries from October 29 to November 2 to minimize the risk of superspreader events during Undas.

The public may visit cemeteries, memorial parks and columbaria only before October 29 or after November 2.

During these allowable visits, visitors must be limited to 10 persons per group, and the venue must only allow 30% of capacity, though this can be raised to 50% if the local government unit authorizes it. -NB, GMA News