IATF: Children aged 5 and above can now go outdoors in GCQ, MGCQ areas
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) now allows children aged five and up to go outdoors in areas with general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified (MGCQ) lockdown classifications, spokesman Harry Roque announced in a press statement.
Children may join their families on outdoor activities provided that they are always accompanied by an adult and comply with health protocols such as wearing face masks, face shields, and observing physical distancing.
"Outdoor areas shall be limited to parks, playgrounds, beaches, biking and hiking trails, outdoor tourist sites, and attractions as may be defined by the Department of Tourism," Roque said. Non-contact sports and al-fresco dining are also permitted outdoor activities.
Roque clarified that "mixed-use indoor/outdoor buildings and facilities such as malls and similar establishments are not included in the allowed outdoor areas for children."
Meanwhile, areas such as Laguna and Cavite that have been placed under GCQ “with heightened restrictions” will not be covered by the new policy.
In June, the task force allowed fully vaccinated senior citizens to go out even for non-essential activities in areas under GCQ and MGCQ areas.
Photo from Mi Pham via Unsplash