Now that children aged 5 years and above are allowed to go out, Quezon City has designated 19 safe zones where they may be accompanied by their parents or guardians who must be fully vaccinated.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) released on Friday the rule that parks, playgrounds, outdoor tourist sites, outdoor non-contact sports courts, and al fresco dining can allow children.
However, they are still prohibited from entering malls even if the establishments have outdoor spaces.
The adult companion must have proof of full vaccination.
“Thank you, IATF and QC government. Makakalabas na din ang mga bata (The children may now go out),” netizen Bea Ranada posted on the QC Government Facebook account on Saturday.
The initial list of designated safe zones for minors in QC are Quezon Memorial Circle, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, Quezon City Hall Urban Farming Area, Amoranto Stadium, Project 6 Park, Masambong Park, Manresa Park, Dapitan Park, IBP Park, Camerino Park, Project 4 Park, Bernardo Park, Roces Park, Hayaville II Park, Toro Hills Park, Project 4 Park, Blue Ridge B Park, Mira Nila Park, and CP Garcia Park
Netizens appreciated the list after more than a year that their children have been holed up at home.
Classes were implemented online and through blended modes of learning.
“Masaya na naman mga pamangkin ko dahil makakalabas na sila. Sa loob ba naman ng mahigit isang taon na bawal silang lumabas eh, parang Pasko sa kanila ngayon (My nephews and nieces are all excited that they can now go out. It has been over a year that they were not allowed to go out. It feels like Christmas for them),” posted Onilecram Cadang Castro.
The change of scenery will surely benefit children, commented another netizen.
“Mabibigyan na rin ng pagkakataong makalabas at makapagpahangin ang chikiting natin (They now have the chance to go out and enjoy the air outside),” Echo Liamore said.
Other netizens also look forward to the children visiting their grandparents again.
Emmanuel Brill posted it will be better if children will also be given the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Salamat naman po kahit papaano pwedeng ng lumabas ang mga bata. Nakakaawa na kasi sila. Laging na lang nasa loob ng bahay pero sana magkaroon na rin ng vaccine para sa mga bata para mas kampante kami mga magulang kahit nasa labas mga anak namin (It is good that they can now go out at last. It was hard to see them always inside the house but it would be better if they get vaccinated so parents will be more at ease even if our children are outside),” he said.
One netizen cautioned that health and safety standards must still be followed.
“Mas mabuti at pwede na kahit paano outdoor activities sa kabataan. Huwag kalimutan ang health protocols at pag-gabay (It is good that they can now have some outdoor activities but let us not forget the health protocols),” Carlo Basilio said.
“Pag-ingatan pa din ang mga bata. Siguraduhin na hindi crowded ang pupuntahan (Let us still take care of the children and make sure that the places we will take them to are not crowded),” Diana Sakura said.
Still, some adults would not want to take the risk yet.
“Naku po. Habang andyan pa ang virus, hindi bale ng nakakulong lng mga apo ko sa loob ng bahay basta safe sila (As long as the virus is still here, it doesn’t matter that my grandchildren are locked up inside the house as long as they are safe),” Elvive Asis said in her post.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Kagawad Alex Camartin