MANILA -- The Inter-Agency Task (IATF) on Thursday, July 8, 2021, allowed children, ages 5 and above, under the risk classification of Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) and General Community Quarantine (GCQ), except those under heightened restrictions, to go to outdoor areas.

Outdoor areas shall be limited to parks, playgrounds, beaches, biking and hiking trails, outdoor tourist sites and attractions as may be defined by the Department of Tourism, outdoor non-contact sports courts and venues, and al-fresco dining establishments in the previously mentioned areas.

Mixed-use indoor/outdoor buildings and facilities such as malls and similar establishments are not included in the allowed outdoor areas for children.

In addition, children must be supervised by adults and observe minimum public health standards, such as wearing of face masks and social distancing.

The local government units (LGUs) may increase the above age restriction of children depending on the COVID-19 situation in their respective jurisdictions.

The IATF likewise authorized the conduct of special commercial flights to bring home stranded Filipinos in Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other countries where there are travel restrictions imposed.

These special commercial flights are, however, subject to guidelines, such as the creation of a Special Working Group (SWG) to determine the implementing protocols for the special commercial flights, in coordination with the concerned airlines. The Department of Health, the Bureau of Quarantine, the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Transportation and its One-Stop Shop, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Tourism shall form part of the SWG.

The special commercial flights, which must have prior approval from the SWG, shall likewise be exclusive for Filipinos.

Also, the Guidelines on the implementation of exemptions for the Philippine government and non-Philippine government repatriation shall be followed.

In the same meeting, the IATF clarified the allowed movement of fully vaccinated individuals stated in its Resolution No. 124-B.

Intrazonal movement of fully vaccinated senior citizens within GCQ and MGCQ areas shall continue to be allowed, subject to the presentation of a COVID-19 vaccination card duly issued by a legitimate vaccination establishment / authority, whether local or foreign; or certificate of quarantine completion showing the holder’s vaccination status as may be issued by the Bureau of Quarantine, whichever is applicable.

On the other hand, for interzonal travel allowed under the pertinent resolutions of the IATF and the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines, as amended, local government units may accept a COVID-19 vaccination card duly issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment / authority, whether local or foreign; or certificate of quarantine completion showing the holder’s vaccination status as may be issued by the Bureau of Quarantine, whichever is applicable, as an alternative to RT-PCR testing requirement which the local government may require. This means that LGUs retain the discretion in requiring RT-PCR testing or accepting duly issued COVID-19 vaccination cards for allowed interzonal travel.

These vaccination cards shall be sufficient proof of vaccination and any individual who shall present forged and / or falsified vaccination cards shall be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The IATF also amended pertinent provision of Resolution 124-A, which authorizes the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices to verify the vaccination status of spouses, children, and/ or parents of overseas Filipino workers travelling with them.

Meanwhile, the IATF allowed the conduct of Foreign Service Officers Examination (FSOE) Oral Tests scheduled on July 28-30, 2021, for 26 examinees to be held at different venues within the Department of Foreign Affairs Building.

Also approved is the holding of the Binibining Pilipinas 2021 Coronation Night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum strictly following the submitted health and safety protocols. All participants and guests shall be required to undergo COVID-19 RT-PCR Test 48 hours prior to the event. (OPS-PCOO)