The Bacolod Emergency Operations Center explained in a press statement released yesterday, November 8, that some mall managers admitted that there has been confusion of the new alert system versus COVID-19 that resulted to entry of minors.
In a meeting called by Mayor Evelio Leonardia, the EOC clarified that non-essential entry of minors or persons under 18-years-old inside the malls and other establishments is not allowed as Bacolod City is still under Alert Level 4.
“We are still on Alert Level 4 as per National Inter-Agency Task Force . Changes on alert level is announced every 15th and 30th of the month,”Dr. Chris Sorongon, EOC-TF deputy for medical and data analysis, said.
Sorongon said that minors aged 12 to 17 years old must be allowed entry at the malls only for vaccination purposes.
“The Executive Order not allowing those under 18 years old and those above 65 years old is still in effect. Minors will only be allowed entry at the malls for vaccination, after that, they have to go home,” Sorongon stresses.
For compliance, mall managers said that they will meet with their security team for run through and clarifications of protocols.
But EOC-TF Executive Director Em Ang clarified that parents can bring their children aged 12 to 17 years old to get vaccinated at SM City and Ayala Malls.
Children with comorbidities may get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the Robinsons Place.
