Cemeteries closed doors to Undas visitors on Thursday to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This year, millions who throng cemeteries to offer flowers and candles to the their loved ones will have to do it from their homes.
All cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbariums across the country will stay shut until Nov. 4. President Rodrigo Duterte visited his parents' tomb in Davao City a night before the temporary closure of cemeteries.
Physical distancing will be impossible in cemeteries with narrow passageways between tombs that are sometimes stacked on top of each other. The same restrictions have disrupted Catholic rituals such as masses and weddings and is expected to change how Christmas is celebrated.
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San Juan City banned trick-or-treating while for Manila City, Mayor Isko Moreno announced the suspension of classes at all levels for Oct. 31 to allow families to spend time together given that Nov. 1 and 2 were declared as holidays.
"Para po ay makasama niyo ang mga mahal niyo sa buhay sa araw na iyon. Maraming salamat po," Moreno said on Twitter.
Visits to cemeteries nationwide can resume by Nov. 5, Malacañang earlier said. Those planning to visit should wear face masks and face shields.
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