Mayor Nonato Abrenica has ordered the temporary closure of all public and private burial sites, cemeteries, and memorial parks in this town from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In Executive Order (EO) he signed on Sept. 14, Abrenica said the traditional visit to the cemeteries and burial sites on All Saint’s Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2) draw crowds, making it almost impossible and cumbersome to implement the minimum health protocols, especially physical distancing, in the area within and near these places.

He said the temporary closure of these places intends “to look after the well-being and welfare of our constituents”.

The directive also mandated the chief of police in the town, the barangay councils of Poblacion Zone 1, Barangay Lipay, and Barangay San Blas; and accredited force multipliers to ensure that the EO is strictly enforced on the said dates.

Earlier, Dagupan City also announced the temporary closure of its public and private cemeteries from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2. (PNA)