Expert warns anew vs. mass gatherings which could be 'superspreader' events

An infectious disease expert again reminded the public to refrain from mass gatherings as these could become "superspreader events."

“We need to make sure that no mass gatherings are held. And even iyong small social gatherings that are held within families or work groups, we should rethink these gatherings because they can really be potential super spreader events," Dr. Anna Ong-Lim, infectious disease expert and member of the Department of Health Technical Advisory Group said, according to a report by Mark Salazar on GMA's Saksi on Friday.

According to the Deparment of the Interior and Local Government, a total of 522 individuals were found to have violated the prohibition on mass gatherings, from July 6-11. 

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases earlier this month allowed children five years old and up in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) to go outdoors in specific areas.

Some parents welcomed the decision, while others were still wary due to the coronavirus variants, particularly the Delta variant, which have been reported in the country.

Psychiatrist Dr. Bernadette Arcena-Manalo however said allowing children outdoors can benefit them after a year of not physically going to school.

"Socially of course they are affected. Mentally, interpersonal skills siguro bumaba dito because there is no classroom setup. And then psychologically of course, the concept of having classroom in the house is something they have to adjust," she said.

(Socially of course they are affected. Mentally, interpersonal skills maybe these also went down because there is no classroom setup.)

Authorities reminded the public to ensure physical distancing is observed even as children are allowed to go outdoors in GCQ and MGCQ areas.

A few local government units have specified open areas in Metro Manila which welcome children five years old and up. Among these are:

San Juan:

• Pinaglabanan Shrine
• San Juan Minipark
• Agora Plaza
• Open spaces and parks of private villages (North Greenhills, West Greenhills, Northeast Greenhills)
• Santolan Town Plaza al-fresco dining area

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• Greenhills Shopping Mall al-fresco dining area
• all other malls and commercial establishments with al-fresco dining areas
• and such other similar outdoor areas and/or establishments.

Quezon City

• Quezon Memorial Circle
• Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife
• open spaces in subdivisions

Valenzuela

• Valenzuela City Sports Park

Other LGUs are still making their lists of child-friendly open spaces.

Philippine National Police chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar directed the police force to coordinate with LGUs in monitoring child-friendly areas. —KG, GMA News