The inter-agency task force leading the country’s pandemic response has now allowed children aged five and above outdoors in select areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified GCQ, except those under heightened restrictions.
In a statement released on Friday, the government’s pandemic task force and Malacañang spokesman Harry Roque said the decision to ease the age restrictions was made in a Thursday meeting of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).
Here are the outdoor areas where children will be allowed, according to Roque:
- Playgrounds
- Beaches
- Biking and hiking trails
- Outdoor tourist sites and attractions as may be defined by the Department of Tourism (DOT)
- Outdoor non-contact sports courts and venues
- Al-fresco dining establishments
However, kids are still not allowed in mixed-use indoor/outdoor buildings and facilities including malls.
Roque added children must also be accompanied by their parents or guardians, and they must always follow minimum health standards such as wearing of face mask and physical distancing.
Meanwhile, the Palace official said local government units may decide to increase the age restriction depending on the COVID-19 situation in their areas.
Previous IATF rules only permit those aged 15 to 65 year old to leave their homes.
Cavite and Laguna are placed under GCQ “with heightened restrictions” until July 15. This means that kids residing in these areas would still have to stay inside their houses.
The rest of the NCR Plus areas, Metro Manila, Rizal and Bulacan, are under GCQ “with some restrictions” until the same period.
Photo from Unsplash by Avel Chuklanov
