Non-essential malling of minors discouraged; Bacolod still under Alert Level 4 per NIATF

The Emergency Operations Center- Task Force clarified that non- essential entry of minors or persons under 18-years-old inside the malls and other establishments is not allowed as Bacolod City is still under Alert Level 4.

“We are still on Alert Level 4 as per National Inter- Agency Task Force. Changes on alert level is announced every 15th and 30th of the month,” Dr. Chris Sorongon, EOC-TF deputy for medical and data analysis, said.

Sorongon said that minors aged 12 to 17 years old must be allowed entry at the malls only for vaccination purposes.

“The Executive Order not allowing those under 18 years old and those above 65 years old is still in effect. Minors will only be allowed entry at the malls for vaccination, after that, they have to go home,” Sorongon explained.

For compliance, mall managers said that they will meet with their security team for run through and clarifications of protocols.
Some mall managers admitted that there has been confusion of the ALS.

(Earlier, EOC-TF Executive Director Em Ang said the city was placed under Alert Level 2, citing the Department of Health Western Visayas.)

Sorongon thanked mall managers for their continued support and vigilance of the city’s fight against COVID-19 and prompt compliance.

EOC-TF Executive Director Ang said that parents can bring their children aged 12 to 17 years old to get vaccinated at SM City and Ayala Malls.

Children with comorbidities may get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the Robinsons Place.

“In preparation for face-to-face classes that will soon resume, parents are encouraged to get their children protected against COVID-19,” Ang said.

Today, Nov. 8, Bacolod only has 18 fresh COVID cases. She said that this is the lowest infection rate since Aug. 14.

“It is still important to protect yourselves by getting fully vaccinated and to follow health protocols at all times,” she said.* (Bacolod City PIO)