Palace: Minors not allowed in dolomite beach

Malacañang said Monday that minors or those aged 17 and below are not allowed to visit the Manila Bay dolomite beach amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque issued the reminder after the artificial white sand area along Manila Bay drew large crowds over the weekend, including small children.

This development has raised concerns that it can lead to a superspreader event amid the pandemic.

"Ang mga bata, talagang for essentials lang po na dapat lumalabas ng kanilang tahanan. Hindi pa po puwede magpasyal pasyal ang mga bata (Minors can only go outside for essentials. They cannot go outside for leisure)," Roque said.

Roque then called on the Manila police to ensure that health protocols such as social distancing and proper wearing of face mask are observed.

The Manila Bay dolomite beach project is under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Earlier in the day, DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said the artificial sand area won't be closed since it will be unfair to the people.

Instead, Antiporda said crowd control will be improved with deployment of additional marshalls.—AOL, GMA News