MANILA (UCAN): Authorities in the Philippine capital Manila have banned children from going out in public because of the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on December 3 in response to recommendations by medical experts.
Parents can be punished for allowing children to enter shopping malls and churches.
The Philippine Pediatric Society and the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society issued a joint statement on December 2 advising mall owners and parishes to ban people under 18-years-old from entering malls and places of worship such as churches.
“Globally and in the Philippines, Covid-19 in the pediatric age range (below 19-years-old) is less common compared to adults. However, children and adolescents are susceptible to and can transmit SARS-CoV-2,” they said in the statement, expressing concerns that children could transmit the disease to family members.
MMDA general manager, Jose Arturo Garcia Jr., said the ban was not only applicable in malls but also in places of worship.
“Children are also banned from the traditional Simbang Gabi or the novena Masses celebrated at dawn from December 14 to 24. It is better for them to be safe than sorry,” he told a press conference.
However, Garcia said there could be exceptions to the rule such as going to malls for medical reasons. “The only reason minors could be allowed in public places is if they need medical and dental checkups,” he said.
Health secretary, Francisco Duque, said that holding Christmas parties was prohibited, especially if children were present.
“I discourage family reunions and large social gatherings during the holidays. With our current pandemic situation, any large gathering—especially with children—is considered risky,” Duque told reporters.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Father Joselito Caromayan of the Diocese of Legaspi said fellow priests supported the move as it was for “the common good.”
Father Caromayan said, “I know it is difficult for Filipino families to celebrate Christmas without going to malls. But this (remaining at home) is perhaps an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and to find God not in malls or in parks. Christmas is within us. It is in our hearts.”
He also cited the continuing rise in Covid-19 cases in the Philippines and a lack of mass testing kits.
As of December 8, the Philippines had recorded 441,399 Covid-19 cases with 8,572 deaths, according to government figures.
