MANILA - Some experts, even some mayors in Metro Manila, are skeptical about allowing minors to enter malls while still having a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Some experts say that minors can still transmit the virus to housemates, especially senior citizens or the sick, so the step should be carefully studied.
“If you go out as a worker, we accept that risk because of course it’s a livelihood, right? But if we go out just to take a walk, you would have to think very, very hard if that exposure is worth it,” he said. Dr. Anna Ong-Lim of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines.
If you ask Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque, he is not in favor of the children going out and shopping.
“Our position does not change. As much as we can discourage that because there is still a risk. They are not exempted from the handle. ‘Do not let the children out,” said Duque.
Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Council - which will be accompanied by mayors in Metro Manila - will wait for the expert’s decisions before voting on the hirit.
“Based on facts, what can doctors say? We’re waiting for the Pediatrics Society of the Philippines. Whatever opinion they have we will discuss again and with our mayors, then vote,” said Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Jojo Garcia.
This is also the basis of mayors.
“It is important that our decision or recommendation has a medical basis because the safety of our people depends on it,” said San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora.
“These are balancing acts that we’re really trying to manage the risk,” said Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte, on the other hand, avoided the possible “risk” that minors who come out just for fun can take.
“The risks could have been greater than the gains. Children - we do not know they are sick, they are contagious, their grandparents are easily infected, he is not worth [it] for me, “said Belmonte.
According to DOH records, more than 12,000 of the 400,000 COVID-19 cases in the country are children.
- Report by Angel Movido, ABS-CBN News