THE Cebu City Government will continue to construct burial niches in the four cemeteries even if the number of deaths from coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is declining.

This was revealed by north district City Councilor Jerry Guardo, who was tasked by Mayor Edgardo Labella to fast-track the construction of the niches.

Guardo said that even if the number of deaths from Covid-19 has declined, they can still bury those who died of other diseases.

The councilor added that as long as Covid-19 is still around, it is expected there will still be deaths caused by the respiratory illness. This is the reason, he said, why the City should push through with the construction of the burial niches—to aid families in burying their deceased loved ones.

In August, a total of 281 people died of Covid-19. This was two more fatalities higher than the combined fatalities from January to July this year.

After the Covid-19 cases and the number of casualties increased, Cebu City saw a decrease in the number of fatalities in the first week of September with only 10 dead.

Based on the Emergency Operations Center’s data, Sept. 5 was the only date it recorded no Covid-19 fatality since the month of August.

Despite this, the City Government is determined to continue the construction of 290 niches for each cemetery in Calamba, Carreta, Talamban and Luz. (PAC / KAL)