Malling need not be a COVID-19 superspreader, says Palace as it warns against complacency

People while their time away at a big shopping mall in Quezon City on Saturday, November 6, 2021 after the government’s pandemic task force has placed the entire Metro Manila under COVID-19 Alert Level 2 since November 5. INQUIRER.net/Katherine G. Adraneda

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday urged the public to follow public health protocols now that quarantine restrictions are eased, particularly allowing minors to malls, to prevent COVID-19 superspreader events.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque issued the reminder after numerous people, mostly families, went to malls and other public places as Metro Manila was downgraded to Alert Level 2.

Under Alert Level 2, minors are allowed to go outside for leisure activities as long as their guardians are fully vaccinated.

“Pananawagan kami sa publiko, sa mga mall owners: Binuksan natin ang ating mga malls sa mga kabataan dahil unang-una para sa public health benefits nito sa kabataan at para rin sa ekonomiya ‘no na ‘yung mga pamilya ay makapunta na sama-sama sa malls,” he said in a Palace briefing.

(We are calling on the public and mall owners that we opened our malls for the minors for its public health benefits for minors and for our economy so that families can go to malls together.)

“Hindi dahilan ito para maging super spreaders ‘yung ating malling. Pupuwede naman maiwasan ‘yan sa pamamagitan ng mask, hugas, iwas – at ang pinakaimportante iyong iwas ‘no,” he added.

(This is not a reason for going to malls to be super spreaders. This can be avoided by washing hands, wearing masks and physical distancing — most importantly the distancing.)

Roque warned that if the public does not comply with health protocols, COVID-19 cases may increase again and businesses, including malls, would be forced to be closed again.

“Nasa kamay natin ang patuloy na pagbubukas ng mga negosyo para maging dahilan  ng tayo’y magkaroon ng mas maraming hanapbuhay,” he said.

(The opening of the economy, which would result in more livelihoods for our fellow Filipinos, is up to us.)

He also asked the the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assist street children who frequent the streets to beg for alms as Christmas season draws near.

“We call on the DSWD to give attention to these children. Besides that it concerns the well being of the children, it is very important to look after them because of the lingering COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

EDV