Reopening of cinemas in GCQ areas moved to March —Palace

Malacañang said Monday the reopening of traditional cinemas in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) would only take place next month pending the release of guidelines on COVID-19 safety protocols.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made the announcement a day after Metro Manila mayors expressed apprehension over the COVID-19 task force’s decision to allow the reopening beginning on Monday, citing higher risk of the spread of the virus in enclosed spaces.

At a press briefing, Roque said the reopening of cinemas was moved to give concerned parties more time for consultations and also to allow local government units to formulate guidelines on the implementation.

"So ngayon po ang status nito, ang pagpapatupad po ng pagbubukas ng sinehan, kung matutuloy po, ay Marso a-uno. Kinakailangang ipagpatuloy ang consultations at kinakailangan bumuo ng guidelines bago po mabuksan ang mga sinehan," he said.

Roque said the guidelines will address capacity requirements.

"Hindi natin sinasabi na mula ngayon magiging epektibo 'yan dahil nasa lokal na pamahalaan ho 'yan na bumuo ng kanilang mga operational guidelines," he said.

Roque added that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) respects the position of the Metro Manila mayors.

Good ventilation

For his part, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III underscored  the need for good ventilation and air filtration systems as cinemas gear up for reopening in March.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, Duque said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), DOH, and Department of Trade and Industry will soon release guidelines on the reopening of cinemas.

"Kailangan talaga ‘yung massive ‘yung filtering capacity no’ng sinehan para talagang malinis na malinis ‘yung hangin… May mga ibang sakit din na puwedeng maibsan," he said.

Duque added that moviegoers must not be allowed to eat or drink inside the cinema to avoid COVID-19 transmission.

Aside from traditional cinemas, the IATF has also allowed the following industries or activities to expand, if not resume operations, subject to the guidelines that will be issued by the Department of Health and respective local government units (LGUs):

• driving schools
• video and interactive game arcades
• libraries, archives, museums at cultural centers
• meetings, incentives conferences and exhibitions
• limited social events
• accredited establishments of the Department of Tourism
• tourist attractions such as parks, theme parks, natural sites and historical landmarks

The Philippines has so far recorded 549,176 COVID-19 cases, including 11,515 deaths.

Solon questions IATF decision

Meanwhile, at the House of Representatives, Davao del Sur Representative Mercedes Cagas questioned the national government's decision to allow leisure establishments to open despite the continuous threat of COVID-19 pandemic.

Cagas said there is "growing" evidence showing the airborne transmission of COVID-19 in enclosed spaces, adding that the policy should be reviewed based on scientific studies.

“Our economy has been in a slump since last year, but it does not mean we should put the safety of our people at risk by making drastic steps. Perhaps there is a better solution to this,” Cagas said in a press release on Monday.

“While the government is considering easing the restrictions, I urge everyone, especially those in areas with high transmission rate to stay vigilant by continuing to adhere to social distancing measures and health guidelines."  —with Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK/RSJ, GMA News