THE Joint Task Force Covid Shield on Friday, October 16, 2020, said there will be no age restrictions in cemeteries, memorial parks and columbariums ahead of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

But Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, JTF commander, said wearing of face masks and face shields as well as physical distancing are non-negotiable.

Police commanders and the management of the cemeteries, memorial parks and columbariums are also given a free hand in imposing their own protocols to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“We leave it to the LGUs and the PNP to discuss the rules that would be implemented, but all the rules that would be crafted must be in consonance with what is prescribed by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases),” Eleazar said in a statement.

Eleazar said people of all ages may visit cemeteries, memorial parks and columbariums nationwide from September 17 to November 25, except October 29 to November 4 when these facilities are closed per IATF guidelines.

He said the minimum health safety standard protocols will be enforced on top of the prohibition against liquor and bladed weapons.

Based on the IATF guidelines, the number of visitors in cemeteries, memorial parks and columbariums shall be limited to 30 percent of the venue capacity and all those entering the facilities must wear face masks and face shields, and observe physical distancing.

Eleazar said he expects LGUs to deploy force multipliers like barangay tanods (village watchmen) and Public Order and Safety personnel to conduct regular patrol inside the cemeteries.

He appealed to the public to respect the rules and the persons in authority implementing them, and to exercise precaution for themselves in protecting their entire family from Covid-19. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/SunStar Philippines)