MANILA- The government will not place elderly Filipinos under house arrest in areas that will shift to a "new normal" on Friday, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Thursday.

Lopez, in a message read by Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, said senior citizens may be allowed to leave their homes in areas that will shift to a general community quarantine.

"IATF is not insisting that seniors are under house arrest or will be house arrest," Lopez said, referring to the government's inter-agency task force which formulates policies on the country's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"This is just an overall policy presented to us due to vulnerability of the age segment especially during the quarantine period," he added.

• 'Hindi pa laos': Gov't urged to let fit senior citizens leave homes during relaxed lockdown

The government's pandemic task force earlier recommended that those aged 0 to 21, and those 60 years old and above should stay home even as parts of the country shift to a general community quarantine from an enhanced community quarantine.

Lopez said the elderly who are actively working or running businesses can leave their homes. Authorities will use an "ID system," he said.

Other senior citizens who need to buy food, supplies, medicine, and ask government assistance can also go out of their houses, the trade chief added.

• How to take care of our senior citizens and what to do if they get infected with COVID-19

Several areas will shift to a "new normal" starting Friday as the government eases lockdown measures even as the coronavirus crisis persists.

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