Children aged five and above are prohibited from going outdoors again in Metro Manila, Malacañang said Friday as the Philippines tightens its COVID-19 protocols due to the threat of the Delta variant of the coronavirus.
The prohibition is an effect of Metro Manila's transition to general community or GCQ with "heightened restrictions." Also grouped with the capital region in the same quarantine classification are the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte.
"As these areas will be placed under GCQ with heightened restrictions, children five years old and above will not be allowed to go to outdoor areas," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.
Children aged 5 and above are allowed to go outdoors in general community quarantine, and modified general community quarantine areas.
The tightening of restrictions came after the Philippines confirmed local transmission of the Delta variant, which is sweeping across Southeast Asia and has prompted lockdowns in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.