MANILA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines surged to 279,526 after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 3,257 new daily cases on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Philippine government has ordered the closure of all private and public cemeteries, memorial parks and columbariums nationwide from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the observance of All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day.

The DOH said that the number of recoveries also rose to 208,790 after it reported 733 more patients have survived the disease.

The DOH added that 47 more patients have succumbed to the viral disease, bringing the death toll to 4,830.

Philippine presidential spokesperson Harry Roque told a press conference on Friday that the Inter-Agency Task Force, the country's highest policy-making body on COVID-19 response, has ordered the closure of all cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbariums across the country from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4 to prevent mass gatherings and virus transmission.

Roque said people are encouraged to visit their dead from Sept. 17 to Oct. 28 and from Nov. 5 to 15. However, he said only 30 percent of the maximum capacity of the venue is allowed to avoid overcrowding.

Roque added that children and elderly will be allowed to visit cemeteries and parks, meaning those under 21 and over 60 years old who are restricted to go out due to quarantine measures, are allowed to visit their departed loved ones. Enditem

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