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NCR mayors to appeal to IATF to reconsider decision to allow cinemas' reopening

National Capital Region mayors expressed concern and are planning to appeal to the government to reconsider its directive to allow the reopening of traditional cinemas in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), Metro Manila Council chairman and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez said on Saturday.

"Magkakaroon kami ng reservation. Baka mag-appeal kami sa IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases] sa pagbubukas ng mga sinehan," Olivarez said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

"In fact, kausap ko mismo si [Metropolitan Manila Development Authority] Chairman [Benhur] Abalos at ipaparating sa IATF ang aming reservation o manifestation regarding dito sa objection sa pagbubukas ng sinehan," he said.

"Hindi po nagkaroon ng proper consultation tungkol sa specifics ng sinehan. Alam naman po natin na ang sinehan, enclosed po 'yan at mahigit isang oras ang gathering sa loob na air-conditioned," Olivarez said, noting the higher risk of the spread of the novelcoronavirus causing COVID-19 in enclosed spaces.

The IATF has allowed the reopening of traditional cinemas in GCQ areas starting Feb. 15, subject to guidelines that will be issued by the Department of Health and respective local government units (LGUs), presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced on Friday.

Religious gatherings, others

The IATF has also allowed the increase to 50% of a venue's capacity for religious gatherings, up from the present 30%, effective Feb. 15, subject to guidelines to be issued.

Also to be allowed to reopen beginning Feb. 15 are driving schools; video and interactive game arcades; libraries, archives, museums and cultural centers; meetings, incentives conferences and exhibitions; limited social events; accredited establishments of the Department of Tourism; and tourist attractions such as parks, theme parks, natural sites and historical landmarks, again subject to guidelines to be issued.

Olivarez said the mayors welcome the increase in the capacity allowed for religious gatherings.

"Sang-ayon lahat ng Metro Manila mayors na payagan ang 50% capacity sa mga religious gatherings, provided na 'yung minimum health protocols ipatutupad din po iyan," he said.

"Nakikita naman po natin na open air naman ang ating mga simbahan so 'yun pong contamination, mako-control po 'yon," Olivarez said.

The mayors are however apprehensive too about opening video and interactive game arcades.

"Isa po naming apprehension. Kasi halos dikit-dikit 'yan atsaka enclosure. Hindi pa pinapayagan ang mga bata para po lumabas," Olivarez said.

Currently, the government allows persons in Metro Manila between the ages of 18 to 65 to leave their homes.

Olivarez said they have proposed to the IATF to lower the age requirement and make the authorized persons outside residence in Metro Manila to include those aged 15 to 65. 

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"'Yung recommendation po namin sa IATF, puwede nang ibaba sa 15 to 65. ['Yung above 65, hindi puwedeng lumabas] puwera kung essential, kung pupunta sa ospital, sa checkup, sa dentista," he said.

"Kapag may mga enclosure, diyan kami may apprehension, 'yung mga fully air-conditioned talaga, based sa consultation sa mga experts, sa aming mga CESU. 'Yung mga open themed parks, halos wala kaming apprehension. Doon lamang sa mga may enclosure," the MMC chair added.

Regarding meeting and conferences, the mayors will study possible guidelines.

"Pinag-aaralan pa ang magiging guidelines para sa mga meeting at conferences," Olivarez said.

"Kung 30% lang po 'yan, akin po, personally, OK po 'yan," he added. "Pero maghihintay po tayo ng guidelines dahil wala pa pong specific guidelines na binababa."

He said the mayors have no reservations regarding reopening driving schools.

Olivarez said the mayors will also allow 30% of venue capacity in museums, cultural centers and venues for limited social events in accredited establishments.

"Hihintayin po natin ang mga implementing guidelines. We have to wait for the implementing guidelines. Kami ang gagawa in consultation with IATF," he said.

GCQ

Regarding the proposed quarantine status of Metro Manila starting March 1, the MMC will meet on Sunday or early next week to discuss their recommendation to the IATF, the council chairman said.

Olivarez however said that for Parañaque City, he would recommend maintaining the GCQ status for March.

"Malapit na ho tayong mag-rollout ng vaccine. Sana maghintay po muna tayo sa quarantine," he said.

Olivarez said Parañaque City has ordered an initial 200,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines expected to arrive in May.

Metro Manila is under GCQ until February 28—KG, GMA News