DOH says DTI proposal allowing seniors, persons below 18 to go out must be tackled by task force

October 5, 2020

The Department of Health (DOH) said a proposal of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to allow persons below 18 years old and those who are 60 years old and above to go out of their homes would have to be discussed by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID.

"When the IATF discuss these kinds of proposals, it is thoroughly studied, by considering all sectors, such as health, security, economy," said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

"They will also discuss on what would be the advantages and disadvantages," she added.

But Vergire said DOH will be cautious in considering allowing seniors and children to leave their homes.

"We are most careful with our vulnerable population because we know that there would be more harm for them than the regular, non vulnerable groups," said Vergeire.

Last weekend, the DTI said it is looking at allowing children below 18 years old and senior citizens to go out of their residences.

The DTI added it is hopeful their proposal will be approved ain time for the Christmas season.  DMS