CHILDREN aged 10 to 14 years old will now be allowed to go out or go to the malls effective February 1, 2021.
This was stressed by Councilor Renecito Novero Sunday, January 24, 2021, after the National Inter-Agency Task Forces (NIATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease eased the age restriction in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
Novero said as this is the newest NIATF policy, the city will also follow the new guidelines.
“Children aged 10 years old will be allowed to go out, but they should be accompanied by their guardians. Senior citizens aged 65 years old are also allowed to go out” he said.
Since they are already allowed to go out, they must follow the health protocols set by the government, he said.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said the IATF approved the recommendation to relax age-based restrictions for areas placed under MGCQ.
He said the IATF carefully weighed all sides before they had resolved to ease age restrictions in areas under MGCQ.
“Filipino children have already stayed in their homes for ten months now, and allowing them to leave their house, especially on a weekend activity, is good for their physical, social and mental health,” he added.
Roque noted it has been observed that 10-year-old children have started to develop their cognitive skills following instructions from adults. They are less risky compared to younger children.
The IATF currently allows children aged 15 to 65 years old to go out of their homes.
Roque said any person below 10 years old and those who are over 65 years old will be required to remain in their residence at all times.