Manila cemeteries close anew on ‘Undas’

MANILA – All cemeteries located in the city of Manila will close again for the second consecutive year during the Undas holidays due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

On Wednesday, Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso signed Executive Order No. 33 ordering the closure of Manila North Cemetery, Manila South Cemetery, and Manila Muslim Cemetery among others from October 29 to November 3 during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

“In order to sustain the city’s efforts in containing the spread of Covid-19 and to prevent an imminent Covid-19 super spreader event, there is a compelling need to avoid the influx of people in memorial parks, cemeteries, and columbaries immediately before, during, and immediately after All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebration,” the order read.

It said based on Proclamation No. 1218 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte, the period of the state of calamity due to Covid-19 has been extended throughout the country effective Sept. 13, 2021, until Sept. 12, 2022, unless earlier lifted.

The same proclamation mandates all local government units (LGU), as well as all government agencies, to continue to undertake appropriate disaster responses to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

However, the city government assured that internment and cremation services for non-Covid-19 cases shall be allowed during the said dates, subject to strict observance of minimum public health standards and social distancing.