Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 17) — All deaths in Legazpi City, Albay, will now “be treated as suspected cases of COVID-19,” to be buried or cremated within 12 hours after dying.
According to a public advisory signed by Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal Friday, the Legazpi City Task Force on COVID-19, will reinforce the following general protocols on burials to lower the risk of virus transmission in the city.
Aside from the order of burial and cremation of remains within 12 hours of death, the task force also advised residents of additional guidelines.
Another one is that nobody from the immediate family of the deceased, who has a travel history from Manila, or any other place outside Bicol Region, shall be allowed to attend the funeral mass.
Furthermore, the funeral entourage shall not be more than 20 individuals and should strictly observe hand hygiene protocol, wear face mask and keep distance at least a meter between each other.
A death certificate issued by the City Health Officer and by the Local Civil Registrar within 30 days of death shall also be required for the burial protocol.
“No burial or cremation shall take place without a validly issued death certificate,” the advisory read.
According to the Department of Health Friday, there are now 5,878 cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines. The total number of recoveries is now at 487, while the nationwide death toll is at 387.
CNN Philippines stringer Rosas Olarte contributed to this story.
