Vaxxed kids under 12 allowed in Manila cemeteries for Undas

MANILA, Philippines — Fully vaccinated children aged 12 and below will now be allowed to enter the city government of Manila’s two cemeteries during the week of Undas, officials said yesterday.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan changed her previous directive prohibiting children from entering the Manila North Cemetery and Manila South Cemetery from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, according to Manila North Cemetery administrator Roselle Castañeda.

These children must show COVID-19 vaccination cards before they are allowed to enter the cemeteries, Castañeda said in a radio interview.

The same applies to the Manila South Cemetery, said its officer-in-charge Jonathan Garzo.

The two cemeteries, among the largest in Metro Manila, would be open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. only, according to the two officials.

Personnel would check if visitors have COVID-19 vaccination cards that show they were fully vaccinated and have received at least one booster shot.

Castañeda and Garzo also appealed to visitors to wear their face masks while in the cemeteries, despite an order from Malacañang declaring the optional wearing of face masks outdoors.