The pandemic has flipped children’s lives completely upside down. Children’s routines are anything but normal as a result of distant schooling and canceled playdates. Professionals also say that staying indoors for so long can also affect their mental health.
Recently, the Philippines began immunizing all youngsters aged 12 to 17 as part of an expansion of its COVID-19 vaccine coverage for children. The government plans to vaccinate at least 80% of children, or 9 million out of 12 million, by the end of the year, according to the Department of Health.
According to a DOH official, the expansion of the pediatric immunization program aims to inspire additional family members to be vaccinated and raise confidence in the resumption of in-person lessons.
Metro Manila was placed on a more relaxed alert level 2 which started in the second week of November. For fully vaccinated persons, restaurants, personal care establishments, and fitness studios would henceforth be allowed to operate at 50% of their indoor capacity.
Minors are now permitted to enter most locations, such as shopping malls and parks, and restaurants and cafes are permitted to operate at a maximum of 50% indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and those under the age of 18, even if unvaccinated.
Despite the relaxed situation, parents, particularly those with children aged 11 and under, should avoid taking their children to malls or other crowded indoor public spaces, according to the president of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA). Because they may become infected with the virus. Take children to parks where you can relax and practice social separation if they really need it, but stay away from enclosed areas as much as possible. Children’s immune systems are typically strong, they can become infected without showing any symptoms right away.
As the virus spreads over the world, we are all exposed to additional threats, such as bodily and psychological illness, school and company closures, family confinement, isolation, and economic fragility. Children are particularly vulnerable as a result of all of this.
In indoor public areas, everyone above the age of two who has not been fully vaccinated should wear a well-fitting face mask. Everyone, whether or not they’ve been vaccinated, should wear a face mask indoors in public where COVID instances are significant or high. At this time, all students, instructors, staff, and visitors are encouraged to use universal masks in schools.
COVID-19 publicity in the news might be unsettling for children. Parents and others who work with children are able to filter information and discuss it in a way that their children understand.
It’s critical to stay up to current on the newest news, updates, and resources about the virus and its impact on children as we continue to navigate this fast-shifting scenario.
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