The local government of Manila will be strictly implementing the wearing of masks inside two Manila cemeteries during the observance of All Souls' Day.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna made the announcement ahead of the November holiday to remind those who will troop to the North and South Cemeteries from 29 October to 2 November to visit their departed loved ones.

The Manila mayor stressed that proper physical distancing cannot be ensured with the expected number of visitors on the said days.

"Just being careful," said Lacuna, as she also called on residents to take the occasion of Undas as an opportunity to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

She added that entry at the said cemeteries will not be limited only to those who have been administered primary vaccines, except for children 12 years and below who, if unvaccinated, will not be allowed entry particularly on peak days.

However, she encouraged the adults — especially those who have comorbidities and who remain unvaccinated — to take it upon themselves to avoid going to the cemetery on the days when the volume of visitors is expected at its peak.

According to Manila North Cemetery director Yayay Castaneda, at least a million visitors troop to the MNC pre-pandemic and with the eased alert level restrictions, they expect the same kind of numbers at the minimum.

Meantime, Lacuna appealed to those who remain unvaccinated but plan to visit cemeteries to get protection via vaccination, which is readily available in the city's six public hospitals and health centers.

The mayor also said that even if the cemetery is indeed an open space, the wearing of masks and proper distancing will still be observed.

Lacuna also reminded visitors to come early on the said dates as to lessen the influx of people during the observance of All Souls' Day.