CHR: Outdoors activities in GCQ, MGCQ areas good for kids’ well-being

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday backed the government’s decision to allow children aged 5 and above to go outdoors in areas with more relaxed lockdown restrictions, noting that the move will “revive” the vitality of kids.

CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline de Guia said limited social interaction, remote learning, and the closure of recreational facilities due to the coronavirus pandemic affected the mental health and behavior of children.

“Allowing young people to safely go outdoors will enable social interaction instead of just being glued on their digital devices. Outdoor activities will also revive their physical and mental vitality by being more engaged in the cultural and social life,” she said.

“Considering that face-to-face classes are still not allowed, outdoor activities can also help provide balance to the children's confined remote learning routine,” she added.

Last week, the government’s inter-agency COVID-19 task force decided to allow children aged 5 and above to go out in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified GCQ. 

The Department of Health supported the decision and stressed the need to guard kids’ well-being, even as it reported that thousands of children have fallen ill with COVID-19. 

The CHR underscored that health protocols must be observed to ensure the safety of children.

“Children remain at risk of being infected and can become carriers,” De Guia said. “We must still ensure that children will suffer no further harm and that their best interest and basic rights are prioritized as we continue to hurdle through this pandemic.” — Julia Mari Ornedo/RSJ, GMA News