AFTER months of strict stay-at-home rule, minors will now be allowed to go to shopping malls as long as they are accompanied by their parents, said Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-10) assistant regional director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga Tuesday.
Sunga clarified the concerns raised on the ease of movement of minors and holding of events during the COVID-19 Response Task Force press briefing.
All minors in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) will be allowed to go out this coming holiday as long as they are accompanied by their parents, according to Sunga.
She however said that the local government units (LGUs) have still the authority to decide on such with enough basis on their area's COVID-19 status.
Sunga said based on the recent announcement of DILG Sec. Eduardo Año, minors from general community quarantine (GCQ) areas will be allowed to go out and shop for the holidays as long as they are accompanied by their parents.
The same goes for the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) areas, she added.
"The DILG-10 is still waiting for the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) resolution for the said announcement," said Sunga.
Those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women are still advised to remain in their residences.
As for the activities during the holidays, Año has mentioned to President Rodrigo Duterte in a meeting, November 30, the measures taken by the department on discouraging the holding of Christmas parties, caroling, karaoke sessions, and other gatherings.
Pursuant to Circular No. 2020-0355, Sunga reiterated the Department of Health's risk mitigation measures.
“Let us adhere to the protocols or guidance coming from DOH,” she added.
Meanwhile, as of December 1, there are a total of 6,496 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in northern Mindanao, wherein 5,358 have recovered, 194 expired, and 944 are recovering. (Recthie Tolinero/PIA10)
