Only up to 30 people allowed in Manila North Cemetery burials —official

The Manila North Cemetery is allowing only up to 30 people to be present at an interment amid the COVID-19 pandemic, its official said on Thursday.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Manila North Cemetery Administrator Roselle Castaneda said the hearse carrying the casket will be the only vehicle that will be allowed inside the cemetery.

“Sa burial po, ang ia-allow namin ay 'yung karo lang po,” she said.

“Doon sa kamag-anak na makikipaglibing, ngayon pa lang humihingi na kami ng inyong pang-unawa na maximum of 30 persons lang po ang i-allow namin para po sa makikipaglibing,” she added.

Heath protocols will be observed at the cemetery including temperature check, wearing of face mask and face shields, disinfection, and obtaining information of visitors for contact tracing.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, through Executive Order No. 38, has ordered the closure of all public and private cemeteries in the city from October 31 to  November 3 to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The period covers the All Souls Day and All Saints Day holidays when Filipinos traditionally flock to cemeteries to visit their departed loved ones. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News