The City Government of Caloocan officially issued its guidelines under “Oplan Kaluluwa” for the observance of Undas this year which states that public cemeteries in Caloocan shall be open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. starting October 29 to November 2, 2022.
Visitors must be fully-vaccinated and shall present their vaccination card at the entrance, otherwise, they will not be permitted to enter the premises.
Likewise, individuals with body temperature of 37.5 °C or higher shall be barred from entering the city’s public cemeteries.
However, City Health Department (CHD) Officer-in-charge Dra. Evelyn Cuevas stated that individuals with high temperatures shall be given a 10-minute rest, and will be checked again as consideration for the weather conditions.
According to Caloocan City Administrator Engr. Oliver Hernandez, the city government aims to maintain the downward trend of COVID-19 cases in the city, and likewise encourage those who have plans to visit the remains of their departed families be inoculated against the disease.
“Sinisikap natin na magtuloy-tuloy na ang pagbaba ng mga kaso ng COVID-19 sa lungsod kaya’t nililinaw natin na dapat ay fully vaccinated ang mga dadalaw sa kanilang mga yumaong kapamilya ngayong undas,” Engr. Hernandez said.
In line with the said guidelines, the local government shall allow cleaning and painting of graves until October 25. Likewise, interment ceremonies are suspended starting October 28, and shall resume on November 3.
Public cemetery administrators shall strictly observe a “One Entrance, One Exit” policy and encourage visitors to follow minimum health protocols such as wearing of face mask and physical distancing.
The city government stated that vehicles are not allowed to enter the public cemetery premises. Furthermore, the said guidelines prohibit bringing of alcoholic beverages, sharp objects, sound systems, and gambling paraphernalia.
Moreover, Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan called for the visitors’ cooperation for a peaceful commemoration of the life of their departed loved ones.
“Hiling po natin ang inyong pakikiisa sa mga tuntunin ng pamahalaan para sa matiwasay na pagbisita sa inyong mga yumaong minamahal sa buhay,” Mayor Along said.