JORDAN, Guimaras – The municipal government is shutting down public and private cemeteries here from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.
Those who want to visit the graves of their dead kin should do so before Oct. 30 or after Nov. 2, said Mayor Ruben Corpuz.
All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2) are traditionally observed by Filipinos by visiting the graves of dead relatives, offering prayers, candles and flowers there.
The cemetery closure is a public safety health measure to prevent overcrowding and mass gathering and thereby stop the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), stressed Corpuz.
His Executive Order No. 68 outlined the guidelines:
* Those who would like to visit the cemeteries, memorial parks and columbarium are encouraged to do so before the implementation of temporary closure to prevent mass gathering. Strict Social Distancing and wearing of face mask shall be imposed.
* Cemeteries, memorial parks and columbarium shall be allowed to proceed with interment and cremation services for non-COVID-19 cases subject to the strict observance of minimum public health standards and social distancing during the period of temporary closure.
As of Oct. Jordan had 15 active COVID-19 cases. These were from the following barangays:
* Sta. Teresa (four)
* San Miguel (three)
* Alaguisoc (two)
* Bugnay (two)
* Morobuan (two)
* Poblacion (one)
* Balcon Melliza (one)/PN
