For the first time in two years, the Manila North Cemetery will be open to visitors on October 29 to November 2 in observance of the traditional All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, or Undas.
Park officials said the visitors must be vaccinated against COVID-19, while children aged 12 and below will still not be permitted inside the cemetery.
They also urged the public to observe health protocols such as social distancing and wearing of face masks while inside the cemetery. Citing Department of Health (DOH) data, the park officials children 12 years old and younger have the lowest vaccination rate.”
“And since we will not be able to really observe physical distancing during Undas even though it is open-air, the people must still wear masks,” said cemetery director Roselle Castañeda.
Public cemeteries across the country were closed during Undas in 2020 and 2021 at the height of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, police said liquor, bladed materials, and firearms are banned from the cemetery premises. No vendors will also be allowed.
Burial inside the Manila North Cemetery will be permitted until October 28 and resume on November 3.
The last day for cleaning of the graves in the cemetery will be on October 25.
