The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the parents to strictly monitor their children, particularly in areas with eased restrictions to prevent transmission of the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said it is important to avoid crowded places.
“Nagpapaalala lang po tayo sa ating mga magulang na atin pong bigyan ng extra care ang ating mga bata lalong-lalo na sa maraming tao (We are just reminding our parents to give extra care to our children, especially in crowded spaces),” said Vergeire on Saturday, Nov. 13.
“Pag nakita natin na parang crowded na yung lugar, huwag na po natin isama yung ating mga kabataan (If we see that the place seems too crowded, let’s opt not to bring our kids),” she added.
Vergeire reminded the public that they have an obligation to follow the health standards.
“Kailangan maintindihan na binubuksan natin ang specific sectors pero meron din pong obligasyon ang ating mga kababayan na mag follow sa safety protocols (We must understand that while we are opening up specific sectors, the citizens also have an obligation to follow safety protocols),” she said.
“Kapag tayo ay lalabas at ito ay importante, tingnan natin kung kailangan natin isama ang ating mga kabataan sa pagpunta diyan (When we go out and it's important, let's see if we also need to bring our children there). Let's remember that the objective of having children out is for them to be able to get sunlight, have exercise, but not to go to these crowded malls,” she added.
Vergeire made the statement after a two-year-old child reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. Based on a Facebook post of a doctor, the child and his parents went to a mall prior.
“We already instructed our regional office to look into this matter. Pero kailangan maintindihan din po ng ating mga kababayan, unang-una, marami pa pong pwedeng maging factor at mga reasons kung bakit nagkaroon ng sakit ang bata. Hindi lang po yung pagpunta sa mall (Our citizens also need to understand, first of all, there are many other possible factors and reasons why the child got infected. It's not just about going to the mall),” said Vergeire.
When asked if this case could affect the implementation of alert levels, the Health official answered: “I don't think it is going to affect our implementation.”
“It is an isolated case. Pangalawa, hindi natin matutukoy with certainty na ayun ang naging cause nang pagkakasakit ng bata (Second, we cannot determine with certainty that that was the cause of infection),” she added.