While the Alert Level 3 guidelines issued by the national government states that minors are allowed to leave their homes to avail of essential goods and services, the chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Wednesday, Oct. 20, that he is not sure if it covers dining services in restaurants and malls.
"I don't think it's allowed," MMDA Chairman Bebjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. said in a CNN Philippines interview when asked if dining services in restaurants and malls are allowed for minors under the current alert level status in Metro Manila.
"That's what I read. I read this verbatim. Mahirap ma-quote dito (It's hard to be quoted on this). This is a very sensitive issue right now," he added.
Abalos was referring to the Alert Level 3 guidelines issued by the national government last week that are already being implemented by the MMDA and local government units (LGUs).
Under Alert Level 3, minors and adults belonging to the vulnerable population "shall be allowed to leave their homes on a basis that they obtain essential goods and services or go to work in permitted industries."
"When you eat, wala ka ng mask eh (you no longer wear a face mask)... Mahirap mag-komento niyan (It's hard to comment) if it is essential or not," Abalos said in a separate radio interview with DZBB.
He reminded parents to be careful when letting their children eat in public places as most of them are not yet vaccinated. The vaccination of individuals aged 12 to 17 with comorbidities started last Oct. 15 in select hospitals in Metro Manila.
Meanwhile, outdoor exercises for minors will now be allowed, regardless of their comorbidity or vaccination status.
The intrazonal and interzonal travel of minors will now also be allowed, provided that they are accompanied by their parents or adult guardians who must know first the travel restriction of the local government unit of their destination.