BUENAVISTA, Guimaras – Wakes for the dead here should be no more than 15 days, according to Mayor Eugenio Reyes, citing the continuing threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-9).
The count to 15 days starts from the day the person dies, he stressed in Executive Order (EO) No. 008, Series of 2021 issued on Feb. 11.
This is a clearer iteration of a similar EO Reyes issued in 2020.
“In the previous EO, ang nagakatabo, antes dal-on sa puloy-an, ginahaya nila anay sa punerarya sang more or less seven days. Tapos dal-on sa puloy-an kag dira sila naga-count sang 15 days. So, na-defeat ang purpose nga 15 days,” said Reyes.
The 15 days is good enough, according to the mayor, pointing out that in other places, the wake is allowed for one week only.
“Whereas, the threat of COVID-19 pandemic still exists, thereby encouraging the adoption of stricter preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus,” read part of Reyes’ new EO.
The EO took effect on Feb. 15.
“Funeral wakes or vigils can be considered as holding of events involving large number of attendees (mass gatherings), hence requires regulation,” according to Reyes./PN
