2 NCR mayors believe opening of cinemas dangerous amid COVID-19 threat

Published February 15, 2021 08:38 AM Updated February 15, 2021 09:52 AM By JOVILAND RITA,GMA News

At least two Metro Manila mayors on Monday expressed apprehension over the national government's decision to allow traditional cinemas to open even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In separate interviews on Super Radyo dzBB, Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan and Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said allowing cinemas to open in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas remains risky.

The mayors joined Vice President Leni Robredo in expressing concern

over the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to allow the reopening of cinemas in GCQ areas subject to the guidelines of the Department of Health.

Malapitan said the coronavirus can be easily transmitted considering movie-goers will stay in an enclosed space for around two hours.

“Medyo mapanganib pa rin eh kasi nasa loob sila. ‘Yung transmission medyo mapanganib pa rin kapag napasukan ng may sakit 'yun, tiyak mahahawa sa tagal. Sabihin mo dalawang oras 'yung isang palabas,” he said.

Teodoro said that the number of COVID-19 cases in Marikina City has been increasing. He pointed out that easing the restrictions may contribute to further rise in the number of infections.

“Maaaring maging contributory 'to sa resurgence ng kaso ng COVID. Kaya dito sa Marikina ayaw namin na magbukas ang mga sinehan dahil sa maaaring dito magmula 'yung mga bagong kaso ng COVID,” he said.

Instead of easing the restriction in entertainment services, Teodoro suggested redirecting the efforts on essential activities like the resumption of  face-to-face classes and the vaccination rollout.

“Kung may bubuksan tayo dapat ‘yung paaralan. Matiyak nating ligtas. Mas essential ‘yun. Non-essential ‘tong entertainment. Higit sa lahat baka mas mahalaga mag-focus tayo sa pagbabakuna,” he said.

“Nakakatakot baka ‘yung pagbubukas natin ng ekonomiya  na nagawa na natin ngayon ay mabalewala lahat ‘yan dahil dito sa hindi pag-iingat sa pagbubukas ng sinehan,” he added.

National Capital Region mayors are planning to ask the national government to reconsider its directive to allow the reopening of traditional cinemas in areas under general community quarantine. —KBK, GMA News

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