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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOT to public: Health protocols must still be followed amid eased restrictions on kids, elderly

DOT to public: Health protocols must still be followed amid eased restrictions on kids, elderly

Published Jul 12, 2021 02:02 pm

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has told the public to avoid complacency when it comes to following health and safety protocols even as the government's pandemic task force further eased restrictions on children and fully vaccinated adults.

Kids are seen here swimming in the famous beach front of Boracay Island, which reopened to domestic tourists in October 2020. (Tara Yap/ MANILA BULLETIN)

"While the opening of outdoor areas to children and fully vaccinated seniors is a step to encourage local travel, this must not be taken as blanket authority for complacency and misrepresentations," Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

"We must continue to be vigilant and act responsibly as well. One such standard to be observed is ensuring that there is strict limit to the capacity being observed," she added.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases recently allowed children, aged five years old and above, and fully vaccinated seniors to go out in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified GCQ (MGCQ).

Puyat welcomed the IATF's decision but noted that children going outdoors should still be accompanied by adults. Moreover, everyone must adhere to the minimum public health standards (MPHS), she said.

The DOT chief added that they should also wear face masks and practice social distancing at all times, and follow the quarantine restrictions set by their respective local government units (LGUs).

"Staying active, while fully practicing health and safety protocols, is one of the best ways for both adults and children to be mentally and physically healthy," Puyat said.

Under the resolution, children would be allowed to visit outdoor areas such as parks, playgrounds, beaches, biking and hiking trails, outdoor tourist sites and attractions, outdoor non-contact sports courts and venues, and al fresco dining.

Puyat says the new IATF rule further encourages the public to travel as a family and visit outdoor destinations, such as Intramuros in Manila.

Intramuros had earlier reopened its outdoor destinations such as Fort Santiago, Baluarte San Diego, and Casa Manila Museum, where there is free air movement. These sites are open every day of the week with a visitor capacity limit of 200 for Fort Santiago, 50 for Baluarte San Diego, and 20 for Casa Manila Museum.

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