Tacloban to regulate cemetery visits starting Oct. 23

Manila, Oct. 22 -- The local government here will limit the number of visitors to cemeteries starting Saturday as precautionary measures against the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Mayor Alfred Romualdez signed on Thursday Executive Order No. 2021-10-038, enforcing temporary closure of cemeteries, columbaria, and memorial parks from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, 2021 except for burial and necrological services.

The city government will regulate the access to cemeteries since many people are expected to visit graves ahead of the closure to honor the dead in observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

"Starting October 23, 2021, the number of visitors that will be allowed to enter private and public cemeteries will be limited to a maximum of fifty percent of the estimated capacity, to ensure physical distancing at all times," the directive read.

Vendors and peddlers will not be allowed inside the premises of cemeteries and memorial parks as authorities will strictly enforce physical distancing at all times, according to the directive.

"Police and traffic enforcers are tasked to regulate the number of persons entering cemeteries, monitor compliance of health protocols, and require the presentation of a duly registered QR code and proper identifications," the order added.

The city has six public and private cemeteries - Tacloban City Old Cemetery, Tacloban City New Cemetery, Chinese Cemetery, Holy Cross Memorial Gardens, Leyte Memorial Park, and Superior Memorial Gardens.