The Bacolod City government can revoke the safety seal certificates of malls and other businesses that allow the non-essential entry of persons under 18 years old in their establishments, Dr. Chris Sorongon, Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF) deputy for medical data and analysis, said Monday, November 8.
The 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, he said.
The National Inter-Agency Task Force has placed Bacolod under Alert Level 4 until November 14.
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 less than 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 said.
Minor, including toddlers, were seen at a Bacolod mall on Sunday.
Minors, some without masks, were also seen in a video practicing their cheer dance for Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia at the Libertad Public Market.
Mall managers said that they have met with their security teams to ensure the full implementation of the EO, Sorongon said.
Sorongon thanked the mall managers for their continued support for the city’s fight against COVID-19, and prompt compliance.
EOC-TF Executive Director Em Ang said 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.
“In preparation for face-to-face classes that will soon resume, parents are encouraged to get their children protected against COVID-19,” Ang said.
“It is still important to protect yourselves by getting fully vaccinated and to follow health protocols at all times,” she said.*