NAGA CITY, Oct. 25 (PIA)- The city government here has issued stiffer guidelines to be imposed during the observance of the All Saints and All Souls' Days.

Mayor Nelson Legacion said the regulation aims to avoid crowding at the cemetery and to ensure that the protocols issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) will be strictly observed.

Individuals or family members may opt to visit their departed loved ones before October 29, Friday, as all columbariums, public and private cemeteries will be closed starting that day, until November 2, Tuesday.

City Events Protocol and Public Information Office Chief Allen Reondanga clarified, though, that burial will be allowed even when the cemetery is closed. 

However, the number of mourners will be limited up to 30 family members and close relatives only, he added.

Before and after the date of the temporary closure of the cemeteries and columbariums, visitors may come between 6 o'clock in the morning and 7 o'clock in the evening, however, only three persons are allowed to stay in every tomb for a maximum of two hours.

 The city government further stated in its advisories that persons aged 18-59 and are fully vaccinated can be allowed access in the cemeteries.

The city government will not allow any halloween activities, more so that Naga City's classification under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) status has been extended until October 31.

 Moreover, selling of flowers, food and candles will not be allowed. Visitors are also advised not to bring any food or drinks, much less engage in any form of gambling or play loud music while inside the cemeteries.

The city officials further advised the public to take the necessary precautionary measures and heed with the IATF guidelines to avoid the further spread of COVID-19. (LSM/PIA-5 Camarines Sur)