Starting next month, children as young as 10 years old can go out with their parents or elders in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) in line with the government’s effort to spur consumer spending and revive economic growth.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has agreed to lower the age restriction for people allowed to leave their homes from 15 years old to 10 years old following a meeting Thursday, Malacañang announced Friday.
Prior to the latest IATF decision, the government exempted persons age 15 to 65 from the strict stay-at-home policy but compelled the observance of health protocols during the community quarantine.
Local government units are given authority to decide on the age limit for minors depending on their coronavirus situation then.
“The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) approved the recommendation to relax age-based restrictions for areas placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) beginning February 1, 2021. Any person below ten (10) years old and those who are over sixty-five (65) years of age shall be required to remain in their residence at all times,” Roque said in a statement.
“Puwede na po lumabas ang mga bata na may 10 tayong gulang hanggang yung mga senior citizens na 65 years old sa mga MGCQ areas,” he added over state television.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez earlier backed a proposal to allow 10 year old kids to go out with their parents in malls and other places as long as strict health protocols are followed, citing the need to revitalize domestic consumption and economic activity.
Despite the easing of lockdown a few months ago, the trade chief admitted that the recovery of businesses has been restrained due to the limited population allowed to go out, shop, and dine. (Genalyn Kabiling)
