CEBU CITY—Public and private cemeteries here will be closed from October 30 to November 3.

          City Mayor Edgardo Labella issued Executive Order No. 92 that aims to prevent mass gathering in cemeteries in observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

          “There is a need for the City Government of Cebu to temporarily close memorial parks, cemeteries and columbaries in the city during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day as well as days leading to and after these events so as to prevent the expected influx and gathering of people inside these areas,” said Labella.

          Interment and cremation services are not included in the order.

          Labella asked for understanding from the public if during the five-day period they could not visit cemeteries to pay respects to their departed loved ones.

          “I am appealing to the public, please understand. We know we have this tradition. We ourselves, our parents, family, the clan always go together in the cemetery but this time, let us first set aside our tradition all for the sake of health and the life our people. We are in the middle of this pandemic, the virus is still very much around,” Labella said.

          Labella advised the public to visit cemeteries ahead of the closures of the at least 23 public and private cemeteries in the city.

          Aware that the closure may affect the earnings of candle and flower vendors and other cemetery workers, Labella asked the Department of Social Welfare and Services to provide needed assistance.