The government is studying several options for Filipinos to visit their loved ones on All Souls’ Day to prevent the spread of COVID 19, Malacanang said on Thursday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said he would suggest a 5-day time allowance for the public to visit cemeteries for “Undas,” an annual tradition when millions of Filipinos visit their departed loved ones.
Roque made the remark after several local governments, including capital Manila, Marikina City and Angeles City, announced temporary closures of public and private cemeteries in their localities for several days between the end of October and the start of November.
The Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 only allows a group of 10 people to visit cemeteries.
“We will see if there are alternatives because we know how important Undas is to Filipinos,” Roque said.
He said there will be a problem if crowding in cemeteries will be uncontrolled.
The government has banned large gatherings to stem the spread of COVID-19.