The age-based stay-at-home restriction here will remain despite the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) allowing 10 years old and above to leave their homes in modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) areas.

In an interview on Monday, Mayor Marc Brian Lim said the restriction for young people aged below 18 years old and adults above 65 years old will remain until the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the city decreases.

“The IATF resolution is recommendatory but the final decision is still with the local government unit (LGU) and the LGU Dagupan’s decision is to still impose the prevailing age-based stay-at-home restriction for below 18 years old,” he said.

He added the city still has 210 active cases as of Jan. 24.

“However, the number of additional cases daily is now decreasing so we could say we are somehow able to control the spread of the virus. We are slowly getting better but we should not be complacent especially that the United Kingdom variant is now in the country, not more deadly but it spreads easily,” Lim said.

Based on Executive Order No. 48-C issued last Oct. 26, persons below 18 years old and above 65 years old, immunocompromised or with co-morbidities, or other health risks, and pregnant women are strongly directed to restrict their movements and to remain in their residences, except when indispensable under the circumstances for obtaining essential goods and services or for work in permitted industries and offices.

The IATF-EID, in its Resolution 95 approved on Jan. 21, eased the age restrictions in areas placed under MGCQ areas. (PNA)