MINORS and senior citizens will now be allowed to visit cemeteries to honor their dearly departed, but only on days before and after the five days during which authorities will close to the public all public cemeteries.
This, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) finally issued its guidelines for both All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
In the said issuance, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the IATF opted to remove the age restrictions for visitors in cemeteries and memorial parks.
However, he noted a 30-percent venue capacity will be implemented in all cemeteries and memorial parks.
Visitors at the venues, Roque said, will also be required to wear a face mask and face shield and observe social distancing.
Just like last year, the IATF also opted to close all cemeteries, memorial parks and columbariums from October 29 to November 2 to prevent possible super-spreader events.
Roque said the four-day closure will not affect burial and cremation activities in affected venues.
To note, Filipinos traditionally flock during the commemoration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in cemeteries to pray for their departed loved ones.
Image courtesy of Bernard Testa