THE Department of Trade and Industry on Monday urged the Inter-Agency Task Force to allow minors aged seven years old and above to enter malls as the government seeks to revive the economy battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on Balitanghali, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez made the suggestion to the IATF amid the Christmas season.
Lopez added that the suggestion is only limited to dining and buying of essentials.
Arcades will still be closed to prevent the further spread of the virus.
Moreover, Lopez said, local government units may impose a higher or lower age limit depending on the COVID-19 situation in their respective jurisdictions.
In October, the IATF announced that persons aged 15 to 65 years old can now go out of their homes.
Previously, persons below 21 years old, above 60 years old, pregnant women and those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity or other health risks were required to stay at home, except for accessing essential goods and services and reporting for work in permitted industries.
The Cabinet also backed shorter curfew hours and multiple work shifts to allow more workers and buyers to contribute to the economy, further gradual expansion of business capacity to 75 to 100 percent, and the imposition of the one-seat-apart policy in public transport. (GMA News)
