According to experts, it will help children’s mental health go out in open areas such as parks, especially since the space they could go to is limited for months due to the pandemic.
According to a pediatric infectious disease expert, if children are not allowed in the mall, it would be nice to take them to the parks.
“The local government units must prepare their parks. The open air parks are beautiful, I think it is time to let our children enjoy the outdoor environment, instead of going to areas where the risk may actually be higher,” said Dr. Benjamin Co.
According to psychiatrist Dr. Paul Lee, the anxiety, depression, and sleeping problems children today may be avoided or changed when left in the open space.
“Ten to 20 minutes is a good time, although some may require more. Kaya nga tayo may recess. In a sense it is also a break from the work,” said Lee, chief of psychiatry section of Manila Doctors Hospital.
If it is unavoidable to take children out of the house, the Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC) has advice.
Also read: Cavite Gov. Remulla says only ages 15 to 65 years old allowed inside malls
Bring children to parks, experts recommend
“APAT. A is for air circulation, we encourage outdoors, garden, park time instead of just staying in an enclosed space. P is physical distancing. A is always wear mask and face shield properly. T is 30 minutes or less, the shorter, the better,” said Dr. Maria Carmela Kasala, member of HPAAC.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Jojo Garcia announced that minors are still not allowed to go out in Metro Manila amid general community quarantine.
Garcia said the Metro Manila mayors agreed to still prohibit minors from going out. This means minors would not also be allowed inside malls.
However, Garcia said minors aged 17 and below are allowed to go out only if for essential purposes or if they would exercise.
He added the mayors discussed the matter with health experts before coming up with the decision.