The Caloocan City government on Tuesday, Oct. 18, released its guidelines on visiting cemeteries for a peaceful commemoration of this year’s All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day or “Undas 2022.”
The local government said that under “Oplan Kaluluwa,” the city’s public cemeteries shall be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2.
Visitors to the cemetery must be fully-vaccinated against Covid-19. They must also present their vaccination cards at the gates of the cemeteries.
It added that individuals with body temperatures of 37.5 °C or higher will not be allowed to enter the public cemeteries.
City Health Department (CHD) Officer-in-Charge Dr. Evelyn Cuevas said that those with high temperature shall be given a 10-minute rest and will be checked again.
Caloocan City Administrator Engineer Oliver Hernandez said the local government aims to maintain the city’s downward trend in Covid-19 cases .
“Sinisikap natin na magtuloy-tuloy na ang pagbaba ng mga kaso ng Covid-19 sa lungsod kaya’t nililinaw natin na dapat ay fully vaccinated ang mga dadalaw sa kanilang mga yumaong kapamilya ngayong undas (We are trying to sustain the downward trend of Covid-19 cases in the city so we are making sure that those who will visit their deceased relatives should be fully vaccinated against Covid),” Hernandez said.
The local government said public cemetery administrators shall implement a “One Entrance, One Exit” policy and encourage visitors to observe the minimum health protocols -- physical distancing and the wearing of face mask.
It will also allow the cleaning and repainting of graves in the cemeteries until Oct. 25. Interment ceremonies are also suspended starting Oct. 28 and will resume on Nov. 3.
It also said that under the guidelines, vehicles are not allowed to enter the public cemeteries.
Bringing alcoholic beverages, sharp objects, sound systems, and gambling paraphernalia is also strictly prohibited.
“Hiling po natin ang inyong pakikiisa sa mga tuntunin ng pamahalaan para sa matiwasay na pagbisita sa inyong mga yumaong minamahal sa buhay (We ask for your cooperation with the government’s guidelines for a safe visit to your deceased loved ones),” Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan.
The City Environmental Management Department and Public Safety Management Department had started to conduct clean-up, fogging, and hauling operations in the city’s public cemeteries in preparation for Undas 2022.