MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker is proposing that children be allowed to step out of their homes amid the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic since a number of them are already experiencing “cabin fever” due to quarantine restrictions.
ACCT-CIS party-list Rep. Niña Taduran said that being confined at home is detrimental to the psychological development and well-being of children, adding that they need sun exposure for their health.
“Children need sun exposure for Vitamin D and a stronger immune system. Although they have their gadgets to play at home, children are happier when they can walk, run and ride their bikes outside,” Taduran said in a statement.
Dr. Kellyn Conde Sy, a graduate of the Molecular Biology at Biotechnology at the University of the Philippines, said the “lockdown” may also lead to extreme sadness among children.
Moreover, Taduran said that aside from physical exercise and leisure, children should also be allowed to go out with their parents or guardians for important activities such as consultation with their pediatrician, eye check-up, or for vaccination.
The lawmaker said that if the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases will allow children to go out, they should wear a face mask and should always be accompanied by parents or guardians.
Further, the inter-agency task force can likewise limit the time that children can go out or limit it to an “every-other-day” basis.
Taduran said that the IATF can release guidelines in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) with regard to allowing children to leave their homes.
“The children’s mental health is affected by this pandemic. They feel isolated, depressed and scared, especially those who have challenging home environments,” Taduran said.
“With the observance of health protocols, strict adult guidance and short hours of outdoor activities, I don’t think children’s health will be compromised,” she added.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said that under protocols for the movement of persons in MGCQ areas ,the elderly and youth or individuals aged 21 and below, must stay home—except for accessing essential goods and services and going to work
“Mananatiling hindi po dapat lumabas sa mga bahay ang mga bata, 21 years old and below at ang ating mga seniors, 60 years old and above subject po doon sa exception na kung kinakailangan for necessities and para magtrabaho,” Roque said.
(The policy prohibiting people 21 years old and below and senior citizens from leaving their residence stays, except when accessing basic necessities and going to work.)