MAKATI CITY -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to allow children, aged five years old and above, and fully vaccinated seniors to visit outdoor areas.

This is on the condition that the children are supervised by adults and that everyone adheres to minimum public health standards, like the wearing of face masks, and practicing social distancing and the quarantine restrictions of the local government unit (LGU). The LGU concerned may increase the age restriction of children depending on the COVID-19 situation in their respective jurisdiction.

“This is an opportunity for families to visit outdoor destinations such as Intramuros with their children and fully vaccinated seniors. Staying active, while fully practicing health and safety protocols, is one of the best ways for both adults and children to be mentally and physically healthy,” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said today.

Under IATF Resolution No. 125, these outdoor areas shall be limited to parks, playgrounds, beaches, biking and hiking trails, outdoor tourist sites and attractions, outdoor non-contact sports courts and venues, and al fresco dining.

“While the opening of outdoor areas to children and fully vaccinated seniors is a step to encourage local travel, this must not be taken as blanket authority for complacency and misrepresentations. We must continue to be vigilant and act responsibly as well. One such standard to be observed is ensuring that there is strict limit to the capacity being observed,” Puyat said.

She cited Intramuros which has already opened its outdoor destinations – Fort Santiago, Baluarte San Diego and Casa Manila Museum, where there is free air movement. These destinations are opened every day of the week. Their capacity limits at one time are 200 for Fort Santiago, 50 for Baluarte San Diego and 20 for Casa Manila Museum. (DOT)