KUCHING: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh has appealed to all Catholics to ensure safety of visitors and to help prevent overcrowding at all the Catholic cemeteries and columbarium during the weekend from Oct 30 until the All Souls Day on Nov 2.
He said the standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be adhered to at all times, and People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) personnel and church guards will be on duty during the four days from 7am to 5pm to assist with crowd control and admission to the cemeteries.
“There will be blessings on Nov 2 at the cemeteries and columbarium, but the number of people will be limited in view of the capacity of the location,” he told New Sarawak Tribune on Monday (Oct 19).
He said at St Joseph’s Cathedral Cemetery, it will be limited to 600 persons at one time, while St Ann’s Cemetery (200), II Paradisium Cemetery (200), Sacred Heart Cemetery (325), Immaculate Heart Cemetery (560), The Lord’s Resting Ground (125) and St Peter’s Columbarium (130).
“Within cemetery compound, only one stall selling flowers (if any) may be operated by the parish itself. No flower stalls from outside will be allowed to operate within the church and cemetery compound,” he said.
He said among the SOP admission to the cemetery included temperature checking and persons with a body temperature over 37.5 degree Celsius will not be allowed; wearing of face masks during the whole duration at the cemetery; maintain physical distancing; scanning the MySejahtera QR code; visit as family group of less than five person is allowed; no hand shaking and socialising while at the cemetery and children that are below 12 years old are not encouraged to visit the cemetery.
“Do not leave rubbish at the graveside or cemetery compound and dispose all rubbish at the big bins which will be provided. Please remember to keep our cemetery clean,” he said.
Poh also said families are advised to schedule visits to the cemeteries and columbarium on other days during this month and November.
“Church members may also donate to help maintain our cemeteries or columbarium.
“They may drop the donation envelope into the collection box at any of the churches or hand it over to any of the parish’s office, he said.
