The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases eased the age restrictions in areas under modified general community quarantine, allowing children aged 10 to 14 years old to go out beginning Feb. 1, IATF and Presidential spokesman Harry Roque announced Friday. Current IATF rules permit those aged 15 to 65 years old to leave their homes. Meanwhile, those covered by the age restrictions could only go out of their homes to access essential items and services.
“Any person below ten (10) years old and those who are over sixty-five (65) years of age shall be required to remain in their residence at all times,” the official said.
The Health Department said the move was done in line with the goal to balance economy and health.
“As long as we continue to implement and comply with the minimum public health standards, kahit anong age ang lumalabas as long as compliant tayo, we are protected,” DOH spokesperson Ma. Rosario Vergeire said in a media forum.
In addition to this, Roque explained that going out will be good for the children, who have stayed in their homes for ten months now due to the lack of face-to-face classes.
“Allowing them to leave their houses, especially on a weekend activity, is good for their physical, social and mental health,” Roque said in a separate statement Friday night. There are criticisms on the IATF’s decision amid the recent detection of a more contagious COVID-19 variant in the country.
Local government units (LGUs), on the other hand, are enjoined to adopt the same relaxation of age restrictions for areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).
Meanwhile, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez announced in an interview that sales of businesses may double or even triple, following the IATF decision. “Based on the assessment of many of those in retailing, commercial areas, malls, when parents go out with their children, their consumption increases,” he said.
Noting that around 30 to 50 percent of sales are accounted for by families, Lopez said they are also studying the reopening of more establishments, including museums.
As of this month, sales of retailers are still down compared with where they were before the pandemic.
In response to the new development, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is enhancing visibility patrols to boost security as more people are allowed in public places.
Prior to Feb. 1, only those who are 15 to 65 years old are allowed to be outside of their homes.
With additional reports: cnnphilippines.com, The Philippine Star, Christina Mendez
Photo Sources: worldvision.org.ph, esquiremag.ph, businessmirror.com.ph
