Rappler
Duterte overturns task force decision to allow 10 to 14-year-olds outside
President Rodrigo Duterte has reversed the earlier decision to allow minors aged 10 to 14 to go out in modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) areas due to the detection of the UK variant of COVID-19 in the country.
The President cited the new strain's potential to affect younger individuals as the reason for this precautionary measure.
This decision revokes the previous announcement that allowed children aged 10 to 14 to leave their homes starting February 1.
Previously, only individuals aged 15 to 65 were permitted to go outdoors during the pandemic.
Scientists in the UK have suggested that the new variant may be more infectious to children.
The UK variant is believed to be more transmissible, though experts are still confirming if it leads to more severe cases of COVID-19.
The Philippines has confirmed 17 cases of the UK variant, with 12 cases originating from Bontoc, Mountain Province.
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The Department of Health (DOH) acknowledged that President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to revert the policy allowing children aged 10 to 14 to go out is beneficial in assessing the spread of the UK COVID-19 variant.
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President Rodrigo Duterte prioritizes children's safety amid the pandemic, mandating those aged 10 to 14 to stay home.
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