Gov't orders closure of cemeteries, columbariums nationwide from Oct. 29 - Nov. 4

All private and public cemeteries, memorial parks and columbariums nationwide will be closed from October 29 to November 4 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the Undas season, Malacañang said Friday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the decision was made by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), the country’s highest policy-making body on COVID-19 response.

“Puwede naman po tayo dumalaw bago isara at matapos isara ang mga sementeryo,” he said at a news conference in Baguio City.

He also said these places should implement a maximum capacity of 30% from September 17 to November 15.

Roque added age restrictions would not apply to visitors of cemeteries, memorial parks and columbariums.

Visitors must observe the minimum health protocols such as wearing of face masks and face shields and social distancing.

Earlier, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez announced that all cemeteries in Metro Manila will be closed from October 29 to November 4 during the observance of All Souls’ and All Saints’ Days. --KBK, GMA News