The Joint Task Force COVID Shield reminded internet shop owners not to allow minors to enter their establishments as part of the health safety standard protocols amid the opening of classes for public schools on October 5.
Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, commander of the JTF COVID Shield, explained that internet shops could be the destination starting next month for students to avail themselves of computers and internet connection for the online classes and in complying school requirements.
“We understand that a number of elementary and high school students in the public schools do not have computers, laptops and other gadgets for the opening of classes so there maybe some of them who would go to the internet shops for their online classes for the use of computers and to avail internet connections,” said Eleazar.
Internet shops were among the business establishments which were allowed to operate in September as the government began to initiate strategies and actions to normalize the business operations for the revival of the economy that was affected by the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).
The Department of Education, on the other hand, said it will push through with the October 5 opening of the classes in public schools.
“Our commanders on the ground should take the lead not only in reminding the internet shop owners that minors should not be allowed to enter in accordance of the guideline of the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of the Emerging Infectious Diseases) but also in making sure that this and other rules are strictly and properly observed,” said Eleazar.
Eleazar said police commanders should start by accounting for all the operating computer shops in their respective Areas of Responsibility (AORs) and start the coordination with the LGUs down to the barangay level to ensure that the guidelines of both the IATF and the LGUs are observed.
He also appealed to the internet shop owners to do their share in ensuring that their establishments are always disinfected and the rules on health safety are strictly and properly observed.
Eleazar said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, also urged local commanders to find ways to assist the students at least in the use of the internet.
“We are all in this together. We should help each other out first by ensuring the protection of students and parents who would possibly go to the computer shops for online classes and second, to help out students if there are opportunities to help them cope with the new normal in the conduct of classes,” said Eleazar.