President Rodrigo Duterte is asking all local government units to pass ordinances restricting minors from entering malls, following reports that a two-year-old tested positive for COVID-19 after visiting a mall.
"I am calling all local government units to consider passing ordinances for age restriction among minors who can be allowed to go to the malls," Duterte said on his taped "Talk to the People" on Monday night.
The president said he understands the yearning of parents to bring their kids outside after they were locked inside their homes due to restrictions, but cautioned them from as kids do not have a defense mechanism against the virus. He cited the case of a two year old who tested positive for COVID-19 after going to a mall.
"Alam ko kayong mga magulang gustong-gusto niyong ipasyal ang mga anak niyo after staying for so long in your homes due to lockdowns," he said.
(I know that you parents really want to bring your children after staying for so long in your homes due to lockdowns.)
"Do not expose them to the virus wala pa silang depensa - they have no defense mechanism in their system," he said. "Hindi katulad ng mga bakunado."
(Do not expose them to the virus because they do not have a defense. They have no defense mechanism in their system.)
The national pandemic response task force has already permitted minors in malls across Metro Manila after its Alert Level was downgraded to Level 2.
