GUIMARAS – All public and private cemeteries in this province will be closed from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4.
Vice Gov. John Edward Gando said this is in line with the order of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases that all public and private cemeteries and columbaries across the country shall be closed on those dates to avoid massive gatherings that could hasten the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The vice governor told Panay News that the Philippine National Police will deploy personnel to cemeteries to ensure that no one violates the prohibition during the said dates.
Guimaras is composed of five towns and each has public cemetery and private cemeteries.
IATF is allowing visits to cemeteries between Sept. 17 and Oct. 28 then between Nov. 5 and 15.
Gando reminded Guimarasnons to observe minimum public health safety protocols like wearing of facemask and face shield, physical distancing and washing of hands with soap and water or disinfectant.
He also advised residents who are immunocompromised to just stay at home.
As of Oct 22, Guimaras recorded 164 COVID-19 cases, eight of which were active. The province also recorded 154 recovered cases and two COVID-19 deaths.
Of the eight active cases, five were from Jordan town, two from Nueva Valencia and one from Sibunag./PN
