National Capital Region (NCR) mayors are set to discuss a uniform policy on allowing minors and seniors to go outside amid the enforcement of a COVID-19 Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila.

Based on the latest data, the cities of Valenzuela, Quezon City, Pateros, San Juan, and Parañaque prohibited children, seniors, and persons with comorbidities to go outside, according to Dano Tingcungco’s 24 Oras Weekend report on Saturday.

In San Juan City, children were only allowed to go outside for essential activities.

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, however, noted that he would clarify in the meeting if children would be allowed to eat outside at restaurants and public areas after their essential activity.

“Ito po ay pagbobotohan at [kapag] manalo ito po ay rerespetuhin natin. I would seek for clarification also kung ano ba ang mga pasok sa classification na essential at non-essential upang kami bilang mga mayor mas maging malinaw po sa amin,” Zamora said.

(It will be voted on and whatever the decision we will respect it. I would seek clarification also on what qualified as essential and non-essential so that we as mayors would be clear on this.)

Meanwhile, Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco underscored that they would try to have a uniform policy for the whole of Metro Manila.

“Mahirap kasi kung depende sa local government unit (LGU) kasi magkakalituhan yung ating mga kababayan eh,” Tiangco said.

(It is difficult because if it all depends on the local government unit, this can get confusing for everyone.)

According to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos, the current general policy was to allow children to exercise within their subdivision or area.

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the enforcement of Alert Level 3 in Manila was based on scientific data. However, the health department was also looking at the situation of the LGUs respectively.

Alert Level 3 came to effect in Metro Manila from October 16 to October 31, unless earlier lifted or extended by the government. — Richa Noriega/DVM, GMA News



NCR mayors to discuss single policy on allowing minors, seniors outdoors
Source: Filipino Viral News PH