Heads Up: Memorial Parks and Cemeteries Are Closed This Weekend

Remembering your dearly departed loved ones will be different this year, among all other traditions as we are still struck by the COVID-19 pandemic. Visiting of their graves won’t be allowed temporarily on All Saints Day due to the threat of the virus.

As part of the government’s move to curb the spread, cemeteries and memorial parks will be closed starting October 29 until November 4. This is in adherence to the  Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ Resolution No. 72 released on September 17, covering “all private and public cemeteries, and memorial parks, including columbariums and the like.”

Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Co-Chairperson Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles discussed in a previous Philippine Information Agency report, they understand the Filipinos’ culture of observing Undas. However, “The government could not take the risk of having so many people at the same place and at the same time.”

From November 5 onwards, the number of visitors in cemeteries and memorial parks shall still be limited to a maximum of 30% of the venue capacity. This was included in the resolution also dating September 17 to November 15, informing visitors to also wear face masks and shields, and observe social distancing. There is no age restriction for visitors.