Malacañang explained that children aged five and up were finally allowed to go outdoors to promote their mental health and overall wellbeing.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases allowed kids at least age five to leave their homes and go to specific outdoor sites in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) and GCQ.
In an interview with Super Radyo DZBB, Roque said the IATF decided to allow children outside because they have been stuck inside their homes for a long time now.
"Mahigit isang taon nang hindi pupuwedeng lumabas ang ating mga kabataan at mayroon pong impact sa kanilang physical at mental na kalusugan (Kids weren't allowed outdoors for over a year and that made an impact on their physical and mental health)," he said Saturday, July 10.
"Ngayon kung baga ay binibigyan natin ng pagkakataon na makalanghap ng hangin, makita nila iyong iba’t ibang tanawin sa labas ng bahay (Now, we're giving them the chance to breathe the air and see the different sceneries outside their homes)," he added.
"Kahit sino man nakakulong sa bahay ng mahigit isang taon ay hindi po iyan okay sa magandang wellbeing (It's not good for the wellbeing of any person to be stuck in their home for more than a year)," he continued.
Roque reiterated that children will only be allowed in outdoor sites and not in mixed-use establishments like malls.
"Ang ating layunin ay ito ay outdoor, hindi kulob, nang mabawasan po ang danger para doon sa ating mga bata (Our target is outdoors, not closed spaces so we can minimize the danger to the kids)," he said.
On Friday, Roque announced that children at least five years old were now allowed to go outdoors in select areas under the MGCQ and GCQ, except those under heightened restrictions.
The outdoor areas where children will be allowed are the following:
- Playgrounds
- Beaches
- Biking and hiking trails
- Outdoor tourist sites and attractions as may be defined by the Department of Tourism (DOT)
- Outdoor non-contact sports courts and venues
- Al-fresco dining establishments
According to Roque, children must be supervised by adults and observe minimum public health standards, such as the wearing of face masks and social distancing.
Local government units (LGUs) may increase the above age restriction of children depending on the COVID-19 situation in their respective jurisdictions.