Allowing minors aged 16-and-below and senior citizens inside the malls under the Modified General Community Quarantine status is up to the local government units.
This was the position of Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who said that he is leaving the matter to the discretion of local chief executives.
The governor’s reaction was sought after
Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said that the National Inter-Agency Task Force is modifying the guidelines for areas under MGCQ related to the safety of young children and seniors going to shopping malls.
Both Negros Occidental and Bacolod City are under MGCQ status until the end of December.
Lacson also advised Negrosanon returning for Chistmas and New Year’s celebrations to come home early since they will have to undergo swab tests and will be put under quarantine until their results come out negative.
He agreed to continue with the need for compliance of the letter of acceptance from local IATFs of LGUs, where the returnees intend to travel during the holidays.
He called on Negrosanons to strictly follow health protocols, particularly this month of December, even if attending only a small family gathering to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
Lacson said there are still positive cases reported everyday in the province and it is not clear yet when and how the LGU can have access to COVID vaccine next year when it is already approved by the national government, through the Food and Drug Administration. –MML
