Kids defy stay-at-home order amid COVID-19 threat

Despite a stay-at-home order to keep them safe from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), several children still chose to play outside, Emil Sumangil reported Tuesday on 24 Oras.

Some of these kids were seen playing basketball and did not seem concerned about washing their hands. 

Others roamed the streets and did not care about the virus.

On Tuesday, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the suspension of classes in all levels from Tuesday to Saturday to "keep the children safe."

However, Duterte asked barangay chairmen and police officers to ensure that the kids stayed home during the suspension of classes.

"[The PNP together with the LGUs] are truant officers, meaning to say sisitahin nila 'yung mga bata na hindi accompanied ng mga magulang at aadvise na umuwi," said Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Ano.

"Aadvise silang umuwi. Kung kelangan, ihahatid sila ng pulis," Ano added.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) clarified on Tuesday that they would not arrest the loitering students.

Measures

Some cities where COVID-19 cases had been discovered have taken precautionary measures to prevent the further spread of the virus.

In Marikina City, local authorities are conducted a massive disinfection operation after an American citizen who lived in the area tested positive for the virus.

"Patuloy yung paglilinis natin sa buong komunidad kung saan nakatira 'yung ating naging positive for COVID. At 'yung pakikipaguganayan sa mga barangay captains, sa ating mga homeowners owners ay patuloy nating gjnagawa," said Alvin Lacson, the chief of the Marikina City Health Office.

The patient who tested positive for the COVID-19 in Marikina was identified as "Patient 9."

Eight of his companions were placed under quarantine. Swab samples were collected from four of them.

The city had also temporarily closed several health centers and sanitized them.

The Cities of Manila and San Juan had also conducted disinfection operations following the discovery of COVID-19 cases in both areas.

On Tuesday, the number of Philippine COVID-19 cases climbed to 33. — Angelica Y. Yang/DVM, GMA News