Crowds visit cemeteries ahead of Undas closures due to COVID-19

Crowds have started flocking to local cemeteries ahead of the closures during All Saints Day and All Souls’ Day.

According to Manila’s Finest Force Multipliers Alliance Head Chris Ortiz Sempio, they had boosted security, especially in the Manila North Cemetery in anticipation of more families visiting the graves of their departed loved ones.

“Lahat po ng sasakyan kahit bisikleta po pinagbabawal natin sa loob kasi nagkakatoon po ng dagdag gulo sa loob eh, tapos ‘yung mga nagtitingda pinipilit namin na mawala sa loob,” he said in a report on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.

(We do not allow the entry of all vehicles, even bicycles, because this causes a mess inside. We are also trying to remove all the stores inside.)

This comes as all cemeteries in Metro Manila will be closed to the public from October 29 to November 2 to avoid mass gatherings amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Manila North Cemetery currently accepts visitors from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but strict inspections are conducted. Visitors are not allowed to bring in sharp objects, alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, gambling materials, fragrances, and animals. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA News