THE Cagayan de Oro City Government has set the guidelines for people visiting the city's private and public cemeteries before and after the annual All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
Earlier in September, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases ordered the closure of all private and public cemeteries, memorial parks and columbariums across the country from October 29 to November 4, 2020.
The task force also imposed a limit on visitors who may be allowed inside these areas to 30 percent of the venue capacity until November 15, 2020.
Engr. Armen Cuenca, chief of City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro), said they expected a large number of people visiting the city's public and private cemeteries before October 29 and after November 4.
The guidelines stated that entry to the area will require Barangay Entry Pass (BEP) per person and a maximum of five family members are allowed per grave.
No vendors will be allowed to sell within the cemetery premises and road sides. Visiting time will be from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and no overnight stay.
People visiting the cemeteries must have registered to the Higala App through http:/higala.cagayandeoro.gov.ph/customer for scanning of QR code.
In compliance with the health protocols set against Covid-19, everybody is required to wear face mask, face shield, and observe social distancing at all times.
Cuenca said a two-day dry run will be held in admitting visitors to the city's private and public cemeteries on October 18 and 19.
The Clenro chief added that on October 13, he will meet with the management of the cemeteries and memorial parks to thresh out the guidelines and procedures on receiving visitors for the annual observance of All Saints Day and All Souls' Day.