Duterte recalls order allowing kids to go out

US. In this Sept. 3, 2020, file photo, students keep social distance as they walk to their classroom in Highwood, Illinois. (File)
US. In this Sept. 3, 2020, file photo, students keep social distance as they walk to their classroom in Highwood, Illinois. (File)

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, January 25, 2021, said he has recalled the order allowing children as young as 10 years old to go out in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

He gave the order just three days after Malacañang announced that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases further eased age-based stay-at-home restrictions.

The task force’s January 21 resolution would allow individuals from 10 to 65 years old to step out of their homes in MGCQ areas beginning February 1 in a bid to boost consumer spending and spur the economy.

At present, only those who are 15 to 65 years old may go out. The rest, as well as those who are immunocompromised and pregnant, should stay at home.

In his weekly public address on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) situation, Duterte said he recalled the order as a precautionary measure.

“So balik ho kayo sa bahay muna and besides ‘yung 10 years old to 14... Itong medyo matanda na mahirap itong i-manage but itong 10, 11, 12 puwede na ‘yan sila sa TV. They can glue their attention sa TV the whole day,” Duterte said during his weekly public address on Monday evening.

“Pasensiya na po kayo. Mine is just a precaution. Wala itong bisa... Takot lang ako kasi itong bagong strain strikes the young children,” he added.

He was referring to the new Sars-CoV-2 variant, which has been detected in 17 patients.

Experts earlier said children can catch Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, but only a few develop symptoms.

Duterte again urged the public to religiously follow health protocols to contain Covid-19.

“For the sake of humanity, ‘yung kapwa mo tao, bayan mo, kindly obey the protocols: washing of the hands — sana susundin ninyo ito,” he said. (SunStar Philippines)

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