Gov't allows kids aged five and above outdoors in GCQ, MGCQ areas

The government has allowed those aged five years old and above to go outdoors in selected areas amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an announcement on Friday, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said this policy will be implemented in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

The new guidelines, however, do not cover those in areas under GCQ "with heightened restrictions," which include Laguna and Cavite.

Roque said children aged five years old and above can go to the following places provided they are accompanied by adults:

• beach
• park
• playground
• outdoor tourism areas and
• biking and hiking trails

Those aged five and above have also been allowed by the government to engage in outdoor non-contact sports and eat in al fresco dining establishments.

Malls, however, still continue to be off limits to children younger than 15 years old. 

Likewise, the government also authorized local government units (LGUs) to increase the age restriction of children depending on the COVID-19 situation in their respective jurisdictions.  —KBK, GMA News