Seniors, kids visit parks, malls under Alert Level 2 in Metro Manila

Several senior citizens and children visited parks and malls during the first weekend under Alert Level 2 in Metro Manila.

According to Dano Tingcungco‘s “24 Oras” weekend report on Saturday, some adults and children enjoyed playing sports, walking and picnicking in parks in Manila and Pasay City.

As the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach remained closed to the public for its rehabilitation, a few visitors still took some pictures outside the beach.

“Parang nakalabas sa lungga, kasi laging nasa bahay lang eh nakakulong,” senior citizen Fidela Abides said.

(It's like getting out of the cave, because we were always at home, locked up.)

Relief

Meanwhile, some parents expressed relief as their children could now visit and enter malls in Metro Manila.

“Masaya po para sa anak kasi masaya po yung anak nakakalabas at nakakalaro,” parent Jonnah Dugan said in JP Soriano’s “24 Oras” weekend report.

(I am happy for my child because he is happy and can go out and play.)

“Hindi naman nakakalabas ng nakaraang araw tapos ‘yun makakakita sila ng ibang tao at ibang bata,” Dennis Comsti, another parent, said.

(They can't go out before but now they can see other people and other children.)

The gaming arcades in malls are also open, however, only a few people were seen playing in the gaming booths.

“Takot ka pero syempre you have to take safety precautions pa rin,” parent Jeth Bodiongan said.

(We are scared but of course, we still have to take safety precautions.)

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases allowed children to leave their residences under Alert Level 2 amid the decreasing COVID-19 infections.

The Department of Health (DOH), however, warned the public to strictly follow health protocols to prevent the spread of the viral disease.

“Kapag nakikita natin na hindi po pabor para sa ating gma kabataan ang pagpunta sa isang lugar katulad ng matataong lugar o ‘di kaya mayroong probability of getting close contact, interaction with people, huwag na po natin isama ang mga kabataan,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

(If we see that it is not favorable for our children to go to crowded places or maybe there is a probability of getting close contact, interaction with people, let us not include them in our trips.)

Vergeire said the country could have as few as 22,000 active cases by November 15 if the current measures against COVID-19 are maintained.

The DOH on Saturday reported 2,656 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the nationwide tally to 2,800,621.

The NCR was placed under an Alert Level 2 from November 5 until November 21, 2021. — Richa Noriega/DVM, GMA News