Health official cautions parents, guardians vs. bringing children outside


DAVAO CITY — Parents and guardians should take precaution when bringing children to crowded places, a health official here said.

In a statement on Wednesday, Nov. 17, Davao City COVID-19 Task Force spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser said that minors aged 11 below are unvaccinated and are at risk of contracting the virus. The vaccination rollout currently allows vaccination of minors aged 12 to 17 years old.

Kids are seen enjoying their moment inside a mall in Davao City. (Keith Bacongco/File photo/Manila Bulletin)

On November 13, Davao City was placed under Alert Level 2 on November 13 lifting several restrictions following the downtrend in the number of COVID-19 cases.

Under the Alert Level 2, some establishments or activities are allowed to operate or be undertaken at a maximum of 50% indoor venue and 70% outdoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and for those below 18 years of age, even if unvaccinated, provided that all workers/employees of the establishments are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Minimum public health standards (MPSH) shall also be strictly observed.

“I hope nga mas careful and vigilant ang parents nga dili lang sa kaayo excited nga mag-adto ug mga crowded places, katong mga high-risk places kung dili man gyud necessary (Let’s not be too excited about visiting crowded places unless it is necessary),” Schlosser said.

As of 5:00 pm on Wednesday, the Department of Health (DOH) Davao Center for Health Development reported 62 new cases of COVID-19 in the region bringing the total number of active cases to 1,442.
Of the new cases, 30 are from Davao City bringing the total number of active cases in the city to 356. The city also recorded 52 recoveries and four deaths.

Schlosser urged the public to continue observing the minimum public health standard including the wearing of masks, maintaining hand hygiene and social distancing, and avoiding mass gathering in "crowded places, close contact, and confined and enclosed spaces."