Philippines relaxes Covid-19 curbs to allow children outdoors

People wearing face masks arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Manila on J

The Philippines on Friday loosened coronavirus restrictions to allow children out of their homes so they can return to parks, playgrounds, and hiking trails in the capital region and some other provinces after a slowdown in infections. Children aged five and above, who were previously confined indoors, will also be permitted to go to outdoor tourist sites and dining establishments, and play non-contact sports outside, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said. The pandemic has battered the Philippine economy, triggering millions of jobs losses, prompting policy makers to call for the easing of lockdown measures to help boost domestic spending. ‘Children must be supervised by adults and observe minimum public health standards, such as wearing of face masks and social distancing,’ Roque said in a statement.