Minors too

I took a short walk down our street to visit a friend of mine and I saw our basketball court filled with teenagers playing basketball on one side of the court. It was a good sight to see that children who at this age oftentimes prefer to play on the computer are outside. But on the other side there is the threat of the Delta variant that has already penetrated even the young ones.

Data from the Department of Health showed that more than 3,000 children have been infected with COVID-19 since January this year. In fact, even enclosed facilities such as juvenile centers have been attacked with the virus. Although local government leaders assure us that the children infected are asymptomatic, it should raise our concerns because children do not have the immunity of an adult.

Take for example in the Philippine General Hospital where toddlers are intubated just for them to breathe while they are fighting the virus. What makes it worse is that there are no vaccines available for them as of the moment. Adults who recently got inoculated aren't spared from being carriers to their household. Vaccines only reduce the effect of the virus but it doesn't guarantee that you won't become infected.

The problem now is how to protect these children. Recently, the province has placed 11 areas under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine where the enforcement of staying at home for minors and senior citizens should be enforced. But just as Governor Gwen is frustrated with the policemen, I was too. Those manning the checkpoints in our town, Consolacion, by Wednesday noon were just sitting down. Had I not approached them to take a few videos, they wouldn't have stood up. I try to understand them because maybe they were just too tired from working under the heat of the sun, I don't know. But, whose responsibility is it to make sure all the orders are in place?

You know, I think the answer is ‘everyone’. We have the responsibility to make sure we follow all protocols. If a public vehicle is allowing more passengers than they should, then don't get on. As for my neighbors, a quick call to the homeowners association to bring their attention to the matter was all it took. It pays to be a concerned citizen in this time. For other things, we can't just put the burden on the LGUs and other enforcement agencies.

I do not have a kid yet but I do have a baby nephew. He's about a year old and healthy. I do not want to see him ending up at the ward because of irresponsibility, that would be very absurd. So, if you have children at home take the challenge to keep them engaged indoors. Just don't give in. If they have to go out, make sure they are fully protected. The variant doesn't get to choose their host, they just move around that fast. Better be cautious than sorry.