Cavite bans eating, food vendors in cemeteries

Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla —RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — Aside from barring individuals under 18 years of age, the provincial government of Cavite has also banned eating and selling food in public and private cemeteries, Governor Jonvic Remulla said on social media Thursday.

Remulla announced these guidelines as he said cemeteries in the province will be closed from October 28 to November 2, in order to prevent crowding and the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Earlier, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that all private and public cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbariums nationwide will be closed from October 29 to November 4, 2020.

“Bawal po ang kainan kahit sa mga pribado at sosyal na libingan. Mga alta, matutong makisama. Kung bawal ang kainan, lalong bawal ang inuman at lasingan. Bawal maglako ng mga pagkain at inumin sa sementeryo,” Remulla said in a Facebook post.

(Eating in cemeteries, even in private ones, will not be allowed. The well off should also know how to follow guidelines. If eating is not allowed, drinking liquor is also not permitted. Selling food and drinks in cemeteries will be banned.)

“Bawal ang karaoke at maingay na kantahan (Karaoke sessions will not be allowed),” Remulla added. 

Remulla said over 10,000 individuals have already tested positive for the coronavirus disease in the province and he fears that there could be more virus transmissions as people visit their departed loved ones during the “Undas” season.

Remulla said that his constituents may instead go to cemeteries from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from October 1 to 27.

According to Remulla, the provincial government has decided to not allow children aged below 18 years old in cemeteries during the period as they are more prone to illness. 

“Tiyak na karamihan sa mga nakatatanda ay hindi mapipigilang dumalaw sa nitso. Ang mga kabataan naman ay puedeng mahawa, maging asymptomatic at kapag minamalas ay magkalat pa ng lagim sa kani-kanilang bahay,” he said.

(I am sure that many elderly would not be prevented from visiting cemeteries. The youth may also be infected, be asymptomatic, and spread the virus in their homes)

He said that the elderly and children will be permitted to visit these places during the allowed period.

According to Remulla, municipal and city governments will be the ones to provide guidelines on the number of people who will be permitted to enter cemeteries.

Wearing of face masks and face shields is mandatory, he added.

“Alam ko po na hindi maka-Pilipino ang mga patakaran na ganito. Pero wala tayo magagawa. Kailangan malagpasan natin ang krisis na dulot ng COVID-19,” Remulla said. 

(I know that these guidelines are not in accordance with Filipino tradition. But we could not do anything. We have to survive this crisis caused by COVID-19.)

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