MANILA – Metro Manila mayors unanimously decided to prohibit children from entering shopping malls even with their parents as companions.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Jojo Garcia said with the unanimous vote from the 17 local chief executives, general community quarantine guidelines for those who are allowed to go out of their homes will be implemented.
“Unanimous po, 17-0, the mayors will not allow minors to go out. That’s why ‘yung ating GCQ guidelines na 18 (years old) to 65, ‘yun pa rin ang papayagan lumabas,” Garcia said in a virtual presser.
“Of course sabi ko nga mayroong pro, mayroong against pero at the end of the day, noong nakita nila ‘yung opinion ng experts, talagang nirerespeto natin ‘yan,” Garcia added.
Garcia also noted that it is the responsibility of local government units to ensure that minors are not wandering outside amid the GCQ. The management of establishments and shopping centers also share the responsibility.
Garcia, however, said minors aged 17 and below could go out only if for essential purposes or for exercise. Moreover, they will not be allowed to attend Misa de Gallo which will run from Dec. 16 to 24.
“Actually, pinayagan ‘yung exercises, it’s part of essential ‘yan. Kaya nga it’s subject also to the interpretation of LGUs, may mga ordinansa sila. Pero ‘yung exercise po allowed ‘yan,” Garcia said.
“Definitely po bawal din po sa Simbang Gabi,” he added. “Pero ang good news naman po sa Simbang Gabi ay in-adjust na po natin ang curfew ng 12 a.m. to 3 a.m. na lang para bigyang daan ‘yung Simbang Gabi.”
Garcia said the mayors came up with the decision following a discussion with health experts, including the Philippine Pediatric Society, which stated that children could be considered as carriers of COVID-19.
“Para kasing ang minors, mataas ang resistensiya niyan, malakas ang katawan, usually asymptomatic sila… just imagine pumunta ng restaurant ‘yan at mall, kakain ‘yan, magtatanggal ng masks, tapos maiinip, magtatatakbo ‘yan, may malapitan na vulnerable makahawa sila,” Garcia said.
“Kumbaga, carrier ang minors. Let’s say lumabas sila sa mall, nahawa sila dahil nagtanggal ng face masks. Mahirap i-control ang mga bata eh, pag-uwi sa bahay puwedeng mahawa ‘yung lolo at lola,” he added./PN
