Some businesses selling flowers and candles have opened for the upcoming All Saints' and All Souls' Day period.

Nette Rona had just started selling candles. She suggested that people buy candles and light them at home to pay respect to their departed loved ones.

"Kasi ako mismo walang plano pumunta ng sementeryo kasi wala kaming mga kamag-anak na nakalibing dito. Lahat nasa province kaya sa bahay lang ako nagsisindi ng kandila." Nette said.

(I have no plans to go to the cemetery here because none of my relatives are buried here. Most of them are in the province which is why I will just light a candle at home.)

Yan Cambe and his aunts own a floral business. He said people may still visit the cemeteries before or after the closure period set by the Inter Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

"Maaari pa po kayong makapunta sa sementeryo at mahaba pa po ang panahon para makadalaw sa ating mga yumao sa buhay, huwag lang sa itinakdang panahon ng ating lokal na gobyerno." Yan suggested.

(There is enough time for you to visit your departed loved ones at the cemeteries, except on the day specified by the government for closure.)

He said customers are fewer and flower prices have doubled.

"Kasi una ang dagsa ng tao at bumibili kakaunti lang, ganun din ang supply. As in sobrang tumal. Even ang mga suki namin sa Dangwa." He said.

(The crowd is smaller, so supply follows suit. As in really slow. Even our regular clients in Dangwa are affected.)

The IATF ordered the closure of cemeteries, columbariums and memorial parks throughout the country from October 29 to November 4 to discourage mass gatherings and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Local governments encouraged the public to visit their departed loved ones before or after this period.

Those visiting cemeteries must follow health protocols such as wearing of face masks and face shields. The number of allowed visitors will be limited to 30% of the venue’s capacity.