MANILA, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday said that Metro Manila mayors have agreed to still prohibit minors from going outdoors amid the threat of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said Metro Manila mayors unanimously agreed to disallow minors from entering commercial establishments and other outdoor areas such as shopping malls.
“Unanimous po ano, 17-0 na Mayors will not allow minors to go out. That’s why yung ating GCQ guidelines na 18 to 65, yun pa din yung papayagang lumabas,” he said.
Garcia said they came up with the decision after meeting with health experts, including the Philippine Pediatric Society and the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines.
“Because of having high immune system, pediatrics experts said that minors who are infected with COVID-19 are usually asymptomatic carriers of the virus. They might be transmitting the virus unknowingly, especially to those vulnerable,” he said.
“Persons aged 18-65 years old are the only ones allowed to go inside malls in Metro Manila,” he added.
Garcia, however, said that essential activities done inside the malls such as medical and dental check-ups, buying of food, and medicines are allowed for all ages, including minors and senior citizens “as long as the minimum health protocols such as wearing of face mask and face shield and observing of physical distancing are strictly observed.”
Minors are also allowed to do non-contact sports such as biking and jogging, subject to interpretation of local government units through their respective existing ordinances, he added.
Garcia said that both the mall owners and the LGUs have the responsibility to ensure that no minors will be allowed to go inside their establishments and other outdoor areas amid enforcement of quarantine protocols. The imposition of penalties will also depend on the LGUs according to existing directives.
The Department of Health earlier insisted that minors aged 14 and below, as well as senior citizens aged 66 and above, should still not be allowed to go out due to the risk of contracting COVID-19. – RRD (with details from Correspondent Asher Cadapan Jr.)
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