OCTA Research opposes ‘risky’ reopening of cinemas

The OCTA Research group on Monday opposed the government’s “risky” decision to allow a reopening of traditional cinemas, arcades, and amusement parks in areas under general community quarantine.

Interviewed on GMA News TV’s “Balitanghali,” Professor Ranjit Rye said the government should be more cautious about loosening restrictions amid the detection of the UK coronavirus variant in 44 COVID-19 cases. 

“Ang gamechanger dito, kaya kami cautious, kasi may posibilidad na kumakalat ‘yung B.1.1.7 o yung UK variant. Kung wala po sana tayong banta na gano’n, maluwag e. Kayang kaya sigurong ma-accept ‘yung mga proposal ng IATF to loosen,” he said.

“Gaya sa sinehan, very risky ho saka hindi sang-ayon sa sensible epidemic management,” he added.

Over the weekend, Metro Manila mayors said they would appeal the decision of the government’s inter-agency COVID-19 task force to allow the reopening of cinemas, among other venues. 

Rye said the OCTA group backed the mayors’ calls, stressing that now is not the time to loosen restrictions since the COVID-19 situation in the capital region is slowly improving.

“Sa paningin po ng mga mayor natin, isa sa mga importanteng requisite po ng pag-loosen up ‘yung sana mabakunahan ‘yung mga frontliners natin para in case magkaroon ng surge, protektado po ‘yung mga healthcare workers natin,” he said.

“Kung wala pa tayong bakuna dito sa NCR para sa frontline workers natin, health workers and nurses, ay sana naman ipagpaliban muna natin lahat ng desisyon na i-loosen yung restrictions dito.”

The reopening of cinemas has been moved from mid-February to March pending the release of guidelines against COVID-19. 

The Department of Health has also stressed the need for good ventilation and air filtration in cinemas to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  — Julia Mari Ornedo/RSJ, GMA News