San Juan reactivates online booking system for cemetery visits

The city government of San Juan has reopened its online booking system for visitation appointments in the cemetery in preparation for the coming All Saints' and All Souls' Days.

“Last year, this was very effective in preventing super spreader events so we decided to once again implement the online booking for appointments to the cemetery to make sure we avoid having the usual crush during Undas,” Mayor Francis Zamora said in a statement Monday.

Only two persons will be allowed per booking at the San Juan City Cemetery, the local government said.

From October 18 to 28 and November 3 to 7, only those with appointments will be allowed inside the cemetery, it added.

The cemetery will open six schedules for the visitation: 8 a.m.-10 a.m.; 10 a.m.-12 noon; 12 noon-2 p.m.; 2 p.m.-4 p.m.; 4 p.m.-6 p.m.; and 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Only a maximum of 300 people will be allowed inside per time slot, the city government said.

Zamora is set to inspect the cemetery to ensure its compliance to health and safety protocols as well as its readiness to receive visitors on Monday at 9:30 a.m.

The local government is implementing Executive Order No. MFZ-093, series of 2021, which declares the city’s cemetery and columbaries closed from October 29 to November 2.

Metro Manila mayors have earlier agreed to restrict access to public and private cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria from October 29 to November 2 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The San Juan City government’s order also prohibits Halloween celebrations such as Trick or Treats. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News