Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año stressed today that the closure of cemeteries during this year’s observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days is needed to curb the transmission of the COVID-19.
In an interview over GMA News, Año noted that the public may honor their dearly departed loved ones in other ways like praying at home in the midst of the pandemic.
Año explained that gatherings of people in cemeteries may result in massive spread of COVID infection.
He said that people can visit the graves of “their departed loved ones and they can do it anytime.’’
“Just imagine the scenario where millions of people will flock to cemeteries for that,” Año said.
Año said Metro Manila mayors will discuss during the Metro Manila Council meeting on Sept. 13 the closure of cemeteries.
The DILG chief added that they are coordinating with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines on the matter.
Manila Mayor Francisco ''Isko Moreno'' Domagoso had earlier announced that all public and private memorial parks, cemeteries, and columbariums in the city will be closed from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 to contain COVID-19.
Some local government units (LGUs) followed suit as part of their health and safety protocols.