DOH backs closure of cemeteries during ‘Undas’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health has supported the decision of Metro Manila mayors to close cemeteries during All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day, calling the move a “good practice” against COVID-19.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergerie on Monday said the DOH may recommend the same practice to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) so that it will be implemented nationwide.

This move will prevent mass gathering in cemeteries during the traditional celebration and gathering of loved ones on these two dates, thus preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

“Alam naman natin kapag Undas, talagang siksikan sa mga sementeryo (We know too well that during Halloween, the cemeteries are all jampacked), and that is mass gathering already and we would like to prevent that,” Vergeire said in an online forum.

“With this good practice na ito, oo, maaari nating irekomenda ‘yan,” she added.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Jojo Garcia earlier said Metro Manila mayors have agreed to close down cemeteries for one week during Undas season.

The date of implementation is yet to be decided upon by the IATF, but initially, the mayors proposed that private and public cemeteries all over the metropolis will be closed from October 28 to November 4.

During the closure, Garcia clarified that burials and other regular things conducted in cemeteries will still be allowed. It is the mass gathering during Undas season that is being avoided by the measure.

EDV