WHO BROKE THE HEALTH PROTOCOL? This is the question now after the Department of Health Western Visayas reiterated today, November 8, that minors are still not allowed in malls in Bacolod City while the city is still under COVID Alert Level 4.
Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, Medical Officer 3 of DOH regional office, re-emphasized that while the whole region, including Bacolod City was tagged in the latest DOH classification under low risk, the guidelines and alert level classification released by the National Inter-Agency Task Force has still to be followed.
Natalaray issued this clarification after major malls in Bacolod opened its doors to kids over the weekend. Photos circulating on Facebook showed parents bringing their babies and toddlers while strolling inside the mall and have their photo taken at giant Christmas trees in 2 big malls in the city.
Some kids were also seen in supermarket, with their faceshield re-purposed as headband while their adult companion do groceries.
According to some netizens, the guards at the malls simply allowed them to enter the mall as long as kids have faceshield and mask.
Natalaray reminded the local government to follow and strengthen the implementation of the guidelines on alert level classification.
Under alert level 4, aside from minors, the IATF also enforced limits to movement of seniors and those with comorbidities.
Restaurants are also required to follow maximum seating capacity set by IATF, including limited dine-in option to fully vaccinated individuals only.
Note: Negros News Online has sent emails to May Castro of SM Malls & the management of Robinsons for clarification, but we still have to receive their replies. This article will be updated to include the official statement of the Mall.
