NOTWITHSTANDING warnings of an imminent emergence of new infections as dictated by more than 4,000 daily COVID-19 cases, the government announced that minors in Metro Manila may travel to other places provided that they would be accompanied by other family members.
Interviewed over the radio, National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 spokesperson Restituto Padilla said that the government does not restrict family trips.
“Hindi po pinagbabawalan ang pagbiyahe ng mga pami-pamilya palabas po ng Metro Manila, or mga point to point, at ‘yung kanilang pagpunta sa ibang destinasyon gamit ang sasakyang pandagat, or sasakyang panghimpapawid o anumang land transportation,” Padilla said.
He however reminded travellers to consult and check first the health protocols being implemented by the local government unit (LGU) or their destination.
“Wala naman din pong binigay na abiso ang National Task Force sa mga lugar, sa mga LGU na ipinagbabawal po ang mga bata. Dito lang po talaga sa Metro Manila nagpalabas ang MMDA ng ganiyang patakaran dahil sa bilang ng COVID na patuloy pa ring tumataas,” he added.
Aside from crossing regional borders, Padilla said that minors may go to mall-based clinics for check-ups. However, he cited the need for mall-based clinics to coordinate with the management to prevent minors from going to other places in the mall other than what they are there for.