President Duterte has asked local government units (LGUs) to create ordinances that would prohibit minors of a certain age from entering shopping malls amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
This, despite the relatively lenient alert level in some areas of the country, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR), which is currently under alert level 2 based on the Alert Level System (ALS).
"We still need to be cautious. I saw a recent report whereby a two-year-old child was--tested positive for COVID-19 after visiting a mall," Duterte said during his pre-recorded "Talk to the People" public briefing on late Monday night, Nov. 15.
"Alam ko kayong mga magulang, gustung-gusto ninyo ipasyal ang mga anak ninyo (I know you parents have been wanting to bring your kids outdoors) after staying for so long inside your home due to lockdowns. Pero isipin ninyo kung maliliit pa mga anak ninyo at hindi pa bakunado (But think of your kids, especially if they are young and still unvaccinated)," he said.
"On this note I am calling on all to consider passing ordinances for age restriction among minor who can be allowed to go to the malls. Certainly we cannot allow those below 12 years old or those who are still unvaccinated to be exposed to the risk of getting COVID-19 in public places," the Chief Executive said.
The Philippines was able to began its pediatric vaccination last month, thanks to the abundance of COVID-19 jabs. However, the current youngest age qualified to get the jab is 12 years old.
"Do not expose them (children) to the virus. Wala pa silang depensa (They still have no defense). They have no defense mechanism in their system, bodies sa COVID-19. Hindi katulad ng mga bakunado na (Unlike those already vaccinated).
"Again, sabi dito, IATF to (the Inter-Agency Task Force said this), we cannot allow those below 12 years old. So tandaan ho ninyo yan (So remember that). Again to the parents and guardians of minors who are unvaccinated, please mindful of the risk," Duterte further said.
NCR or Metro Manila was first placed under alert level 2 on Friday, Nov. 5. That same weekend, parents and their children--even infants--trooped to local malls, since the guidelines allowed for this.
At a popular mall in Sampaloc, Manila, little kids filled up an amusement arcade despite a huge sign outside saying that only vaccinated persons aged 18 and above would be allowed entry. Pictures and videos of similar worrisome scenes went viral on social media in the next few days.
"Part of caring for them is thinking about their safety. I hope no one among our children will get COVID-19," Duterte said.