Halloween is coming up, but San Juan folks will have to wait until next year for their kids' trick or treating. The Halloween tradition is banned in the city because of the long-running coronavirus quarantine, along with visits to the cemetery on All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
In an Executive Order signed by Mayor Francis Zamora, trick or treating and Halloween festivities will be prohibited in gated subdivisions, condominums, parks, and malls to prevent unnecessary gatherings and close contact between people.
Halloween activities can still be held, but only in the home. Social distancing measures and other health protocols must still be followed.
All public and private memorial parks, cemeteries, and columbariums in the city will also be closed starting Oct. 30 until Nov. 3.
Atin pong pinirmahan ngayong umaga ang Executive Order No. 49, Series of 2020 kung saan ay ating ipinag-uutos ang pansamantalang pagsara ng mga pribado at pampublikong mga sementeryo at columbaries at ang pagbabawal ng mga trick or treat at halloween activities - cont - pic.twitter.com/rCNbMOLQfl
Millions throng cemeteries during Undas to reunite with family and pay respects to their dead. However, officials thought it was best to temporarily close cemeteries during Undas to prevent overcrowding, which could hasten the transmission of COVID-19.