Children not allowed outdoors again

THE NATIONAL Government’s Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) has recalled its order to allow children 5 years old and up to go outdoors after medical experts warned about the dangers posed by the Delta variant of the Covid-19 in the country.

The recall of the order came after the Department of Health reported over 100 cases of the Delta variant Davao region, Northern Mindanao, National Capital Region, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon or Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces. 

The Delta variant was first detected in India, but quickly spread to over 120 countries and territories. But Zamboanga City remains free from the virulent Delta variant due to the strict border control and health protocols being implemented by the local government. The recall of the IATF-MEID order was dated July 26. 

This was also confirmed by Mayor Beng Climaco, head of the local Covid-19 task force, who said that the strict enforcement of quarantine restrictions and measures and minimum public health standards will continue as the local government complies with the IATF-MEID order. 

Just after the IATF-MEID relaxed its health policy on children last month, Climaco thanked the task force for finally allowing kids to go outdoors after 16 months since the outbreak of the pandemic. Climaco even welcomed Catholic families and their children at the shrine of the Virgin Mary in Fort Pilar and spoke briefly with the kids and their guardians.

Prior to the recall order, the IATF-MEID said children who are 12-17 years old were allowed to go outdoors. But those 5-11 years old were only allowed outdoors during weekends. And all children should be under the strict supervision by their guardians to ensure that health protocols are religiously followed to protect them from Covid-19 infections.

Outdoor areas refer to and limited to parks such as in Pasonanca and Abong-abong, among others; playgrounds, beaches and resorts, biking and hiking trails, outdoor tourist sites and attractions and outdoor non-contact sports courts and venues. 

However, children were not allowed in shopping malls and similar establishments, and that private outdoor areas must be compliant with the Safety Seal requirements set by the government. Children allowed in those areas outdoors must also wear face masks and face shields and so are their guardians. (Zamboanga Post)

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