MAYOR Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar issued Executive Order (EO) 688-2021, providing for the guidelines on safe observance of cemetery visits, both in public and private burial sites, in Zamboanga City amid the health pandemic.
The salient provision of EO 688-2021, which took effect October 25, includes that all public and private cemeteries, as well as memorial parks are closed from October 29 until November 2.
"The decision to close all cemeteries during the aforementioned period is to minimize the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) transmission during the observance of the All Souls' Day," Salazar said.
Burial during the period from October 29 until November 2 shall be allowed provided that it shall be limited to immediate family members and shall not exceed 10 persons.
Salazar's order stated that visits before and after October 29 to November 2 shall be limited to only 30 percent capacity of the public and private cemetery as well as memorial parks.
Food and drinks are absolutely prohibited inside the cemetery while ambulant vendors, whether food or non-food items, are prohibited outside the vicinity of the cemeteries except those that are already existing.
Food and drinks used as offerings for the dead may be allowed in small quantities.
To prevent crime, ruckus, and fire, the following items are also prohibited inside cemeteries: firearms; bladed weapons; liquor; gambling paraphernalia; and, cigarettes.
Candles and matches may be allowed in limited quantities for candle lighting purposes.
Salazar has tasked the Zamboanga City Police Office, Joint Task Force-Zamboanga, and barangay officials to strictly implement EO 688-2021. (SunStar Zamboanga)