THE local government of San Juan City has allowed on Friday October 16 regulated cemeter in the city.
Mayor Francis Zamora inspected the San Juan City Cemetery and other private cemeteries and columbaria to ensure that health and safety measures are strictly observed.
Last month, Zamora issued Executive Order No. FMZ-051 which mandates a reservation scheme in all the cemeteries and columbarium in the city from October 16 to 28 and November 5 to 15.
This is to allow families to pay respect to their departed loved ones despite COVID-19 pandemic.
The IATF ordered the closure of these facilities from October 29 to November 4 to prevent the gathering of crowds during the observance of Undas.
“Tayo po ay gumawa ng paraan upang maiwasan na ang mga mamamayan nating gustong dumalaw sa sementeryo ay sabay-sabay magpuntahan sa mga araw na puwedeng pumunta. Kahit sabihin ng IATF na bawal from October 28 to November 4, paano kung sabay-sabay sila magpuntahan sa Oct 28 o sa Nov. 5? So kinakailangang merong mayos na sistema “, Zamora said.
The mayor also ordered a more organized process of visitation where the public can reserve slots from October 16 to 28 and November 5 to 15.
People can book a reservation online through (www.picktime.com/sanjuancityundas2020). They can also call or text 7728-9818 or 0915-1627152 to reserve a slot. A confirmation slip will be issued once the reservation was made.
Visitors are only allowed to stay at the cemeteries for two hours. Each slot will only allow up to two family members per slot.
However, they will be allowed to reserve multiple time slots to give all family members time to visit.
Each batch will only accommodate 270 people or less than 30% of the cemetery’s capacity to ensure that physical distancing will be followed.
“Tantya namin na hindi ‘yan aabot ng 270, base sa computation sa capacity ng ating sementeryo. Kung meron namang mag-walk in dito, yung ating cemetery manager bibigyan natin ng instructions na iyan. Kung yung time slot ay hindi pa puno, pwede sila i-accommodate basta ‘wag silang lalagpas ng 270 persons,” the mayor added.
The San Juan City also reminded that selling of food and refreshments, flowers, and candles are not allowed in the facilities so visitors are requested to bring their own food, flowers, candles, and other offerings.
Meanwhile, at least 40 members, including bike patrollers will be deployed in different cemeteries and columbaries to ensure peace and order during the regulated visits.
