All cemeteries and columbaria in the Philippines will be closed from October 29 to November 4 as a precautionary measure against the spread of the new coronavirus disease.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the decision was made to avoid crowding during the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.
“The rationale is to prevent gatherings that we are used to during Undas,” Roque said in a press briefing.
He instead encouraged the public to visit their departed loved ones on or after the said dates.
He clarified that cemeteries will be opened to visitors but only with a limited capacity of 30 percent during the period before October 29 and after November 4.
“This means we can visit before and after the cemeteries are closed but the capacity is 30 percent,” Roque said.
The Archdiocese of Manila has earlier urged the faithful to schedule the blessing of the tombs of their dear departed ahead of the annual observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.
Bishop Broderick Pabillo, apostolic administrator of the archdiocese, said priests are always available to bless the tombs and to celebrate Masses for the dead ahead of the annual observance.
