Authorities reminded the public to refrain from smoking in cemeteries and memorial parks as millions of thousands of people are expected to troop to the areas to observe the All Saints' and All Souls' Says.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) warned of penalties ranging from P500 to P5,000 if they are caught, saying all local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) have their respective anti-smoking ordinances in public places.
Metro Manila LGUs have created their Smoke-Free Task Forces which ensure that smoke-free policies are followed.
The MMDA, along with the Department of Health, likewise advised those who will visit the graves of their dearly departed loved ones to take extra precaution and observe Covid-19 minimum health protocols.
For her part, Director Neomie Recio, Acting Head of MMDA Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office urged the public to check other health regulations that would be in place.
“We encourage the public to comply with the guidelines on visiting cemeteries as the threat of the pandemic is still here,” Recio said.
Meanwhile, health experts explained that vapes and e-cigarettes are also harmful as they contain highly toxic and addictive chemicals. Exposure to second-hand smoke as well as second-hand aerosol can harm the health of non-smokers.
Tobacco smoke contains approximately 7,000 harmful chemicals, 70 of which are cancer-causing substances (carcinogens), according to the DOH.