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

He 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,” he 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 about ALS.

Meanwhile, EOC-TF Executive Director Em 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./WDJ