There will be exemptions for senior citizens under GCQ — DILG chief Año

Some senior citizens would be allowed to go out under general community quarantine, according to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Año said the government would also consider senior citizens who are still working and those living alone who need to go out to buy essential items such as food and medicines.

"Sa GCQ, may mga pagluluwag na tayo. Naiintindihan din natin ang kalagayan ng ating mga seniors, 'yung iba diyan nagtratrabaho pa, 'yung iba sila 'yung executive ng kumpanya, 'yung iba naman diyan living alone... So, magkakaroon din tayo ng exemptions..." he said.

"Pag nagbukas ang mall sa GCQ, iaano rin sila pumasok ng mall, hihilingin lang natin magkaroon ng minimum health standards, magkaroon doon ng special lanes at accommodation sa ating seniors," he added.

"So mayroon din namang seniors na magtratrabaho pa, papasok sa kumpanya, papayagan natin 'yan..." Año said.

Año, however, reminded senior citizens that they should be healthy enough to go out and that they do not pose risk to others' health.

Earlier, Senior Citizens party-list Representative Francisco Datol Jr. and 1PACMAN party-list Representative Eric Pineda asked the government to allow senior citizens to go out under GCQ, noting that many senior citizens are still strong and employed.

According to the GCQ guidelines issued by Malacañang, persons 20 years and below and 60-years-old and above, as well as those with health risk factors, must stay at home.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said areas which will remain under enhanced community quarantine until May 15 include the National Capital Region, Central Luzon except Aurora, CALABARZON, Pangasinan, Benguet, Baguio City, Iloilo province, Cebu province, Cebu City, Davao City.

On the other hand, the rest of the country will be under GCQ provided that “minimum health standards are achieved and continuously observed," according to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. — RSJ, GMA News