Parents in Ilocos Norte urged to ensure kids’ safety vs COVID-19 in public places

Under COVID-19 Alert Level 2, public places such as parks are now open in Ilocos Norte province just like this one located beside the Provincial Capitol. (Photo by John Michael Mugas)

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte—As movement restrictions were eased under COVID-19 Alert Level 2, the Ilocos Norte government reminded parents to ensure the safety of their children when they bring them to the malls, parks, and other public places.

In a press briefing Wednesday (Nov. 17), Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc said that he would no longer restrict the movement of kids from going out of their homes.

“Kawawa na ang mga bata after being under quarantine for so long,” he said.

Ilocos Norte was placed by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) under Alert Level 2, the second least restrictive alert status, on Nov. 13, allowing all ages to move around subject to the rules imposed by the local government unit.

“If they can, the kids should mask up if possible [whenever they go to public places],” said Manotoc. Standard health protocols should still be strictly followed, he said.

In an executive order issued on Tuesday, Manotoc also advised those with pre-existing illnesses and pregnant women to limit their movements.

Based on the latest COVID-19 case bulletin of the provincial government, Ilocos Norte has 68 active cases, with at least five of the 23 towns and cities in the province having zero active cases.

JPV