PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday urged local government units to pass ordinances that will restrict the entry of unvaccinated children in public places.

Duterte made the remark after several health experts raised concerns regarding a two-year-old boy who tested positive for Covid19 after a mall visit last week.

“I am calling on all local government units to consider passing ordinances for age restrictions among minors who can be allowed to go to the malls,” Duterte said during his Talk to the People.

“Certainly, they cannot allow those below 12 years old and those who are still unvaccinated to be exposed to the risks of Covid19 in public places,” he added.

The president advised parents to keep their children away from the disease, adding that they should be mindful of such risks.

“Alam kong gustong-gusto ninyo nang ipasyal ang mga anak ninyo after staying for so long inside your home due to lockdowns, pero isipin ninyo kung maliliit pa ang mga anak ninyo at hindi pa bakunado do not expose them to the virus. They have no defense mechanism in their system,” he pointed out.

Metro Manila Development Authority Charmian Benhur Ablos said the Health department will release detailed guidelines on children’s entry to malls and restaurants.

“Mamayang hapon ay mayroong pagpupulong ang mga city health officers para pag-usapan ang issue na mga batang papasok sa mall na walang mask para i-set iyong guidelines tungkol dito,” Ablos said.

“Mayroon tayong responsibilidad sa ating mga anak,” he added.