Children barred from entering Rizal Park amid COVID-19 pandemic

The administrator of Rizal Park (Luneta) on Saturday said children will no longer be allowed inside the park amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Sa ngayon, para safe ang mga tao, ay hindi muna namin sila ia-allow kasama ang mga bata (na bumisita sa Luneta)," Cecille Lorenzana Romero, park administrator, said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

They are also limiting visitors to 2,000 at a time.

Vendors are also still not allowed inside the park, Romero said.

Rizal Park in Manila is a popular place for families to visit during the holidays.

Around 4,000 people visited the park on Friday, Christmas Day, Romero said.

Visitors had to fall in line to have their body temperature checked before they were allowed inside.

Romero said Rizal Park is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. for those who will exercise, and again from 4 to 9 p.m.

Earlier, gatherings and picnics have been prohibited at the park as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Park visitors are also required to abide by the park’s health protocols such as wearing of face masks and face shields and filling out a health declaration form.

Physical distancing must also be observed at all times inside the park.

For the coming New Year, no event has been set at Rizal Park, Romero said.

"Wala kaming event ngayong New Year. Tahimik ang Bagong Taon ngayon sa Luneta, walang fireworks," she said. —KG, GMA News