Duterte rescinds IATF decision, orders 10 to14-year-olds to stay home

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte revoked the earlier decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force against COVID-19 (IATF) easing age restrictions in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
Duterte expressed concern that children aged 10 to 14 years old may compromise their safety and the safety of the older sector given that the new strain of coronavirus is said to be more contagious.
“Just to be sure and in our desire to protect our people, napilitan akong (I was compelled) ire-impose ang (the) 10 to 14 (years old restriction). Not at this time. It’s a sacrifice for the parents and for the children. It would limit their movements,” the President said late Monday night (January 25).
Following the president’s announcement, children 10 to 14 years of age are still not allowed to go outside their homes.
This policy, the President said, will remain in effect until the government is sure that the public is safe from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through vaccination.
Last Friday (January 22), the IATF announced its plan to relax age restrictions which is supposed to take effect on February 1.
President Duterte asked for the public’s understanding regarding his latest decision.
“Pasensya na po kayo. (I’m sorry.) Mine is just a precaution,” he said.
“Takot lang ako kasi itong bagong (I’m worried because this new) strain strikes the young children,” he added, reminding the public to continuously follow the standard health and safety protocols as the number of COVID-19 cases in the country remains high.
To date, COVID-19 cases in the country have surpassed the half a million mark.
Meanwhile on Tuesday (January 26), the IATF is expected to come up with a recommendation on the quarantine classifications to be imposed for February.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III during Monday’s meeting reported that at this stage, the health care utilization rate in Davao de Oro and Baguio City has reached the critical level while that of Nueva Viscaya and Agusan del Norte are already high. MNP (with reports from Rosalie Coz)