Gov. Arthur Yap has issued an executive order (EO) mandating the closure of cemeteries, memorial park and columbaria in the province from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, 2021, according to a report from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
Yap issued EO 53 ordering the closure of the said places immediately before and during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Yap said the national Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) has issued a resolution providing the guidelines for the celebration of the two occasions being celebrated at the start of the month of November.
The guidelines from the IATF are being provided to guide local government units in order to prevent super spreader events as the nation is still reeling from the Coronavirus disease (Covid).
In EO 53, it is stated that people may visit cemeteries, memorial parks and columbaria before Oct. 29, 2021 or after Nov. 2, 2021.
The number of visitors in these said places is limited. The said areas may accept only up to 50% of venue capacity, the EO said.
The EO adds that health and safety standards should be followed by visitors while inside the said places.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government unit officials are tasked to enforce the directive of the said EO.