(REUTERS)
MANILA, Philippines — The exact cause for the reported COVID-19 infection of a two-year-old boy three days after visiting a shopping mall may be “multifactorial” and “uncertain,” the Department of Health (DOH) said.
The DOH was referring to a two-year-old child who tested positive in a rapid antigen test days after going to a mall, as narrated by a doctor on social media.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque earlier urged a retest for the minor.
“This news is very unfortunate. Although the recent activities done, like the mall visit, may be a possible source of infection, its exact cause will remain multifactorial and uncertain,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a statement.
“Factors such as adults from the same household going to work and bringing the infection home could also be a possibility. In line with this, we would like to reiterate that the COVID-19 virus is still very much present,” she added.
Meanwhile, the DOH encouraged individuals aged 12 and above—the age bracket currently allowed for vaccination in the country—to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to achieve the “cocoon effect.”
“More establishments were opened, but we advise parents and guardians to take extra precaution if they will bring their children with them,” said Vergeire.
“Further, the Department emphasizes that the decision to get vaccination will not only benefit the individual, but more importantly, the community as well. We have to avoid the 3Cs: closed-contact settings, crowded places, close spaces to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 infection, and complement it with the strict and religious adherence to the minimum public health standards as these will be part of our new normal,” she said.