National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 spokesperson Restituto Padilla clarified Wednesday that minors are still allowed to go out of Metro Manila during family travels.
“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 in a Super Radyo DZBB interview.
(Family travels outside of Metro Manila are not prohibited, as well as point-to-point travels or going to other destinations through sea, air, or any land transportation.)
Padilla reminded travelers to consult and check first with the local government unit (LGU) or their destination the health protocols or if a COVID test is required.
“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 said.
(The National Task Force has not advised other LGUs regarding the prohibition of minors to go out. Only here in Metro Manila did the MMDA issued the measure due to the rising COVID-19 numbers.)
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Minors can travel outside Metro Manila with their families – NTF
Minors in Metro Manila could also go out for medical check-ups.
Clinics in malls should also coordinate with the management so the children could avoid getting exposed to a crowd.
Minors in Metro Manila would not be allowed to go out for two weeks starting March 17, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Tuesday.
Only individuals aged 18 to 65 years old are now allowed to go outside their residences.
Only “authorized persons outside residence” (APOR) and those with medical emergencies may leave the house during the curfew.
Others exempted from curfew:
1. Health workers coming in or out of work
2. Government workers entering or leaving work
3. Food services staff and delivery of essential goods
4. Funeral workers