Arcades open on March 5 with 50% capacity in LGUs under GCQ

Video and interactive game arcades will be allowed to operate at a maximum of 50% under general community quarantine and 75% under modified GCQ starting Friday, March 5.

According to Bernadette Reyes’ report on “Balitanghali” on Wednesday, individuals must wear face masks and face shields at all times.

They will also undergo temperature checks, foot baths and will need to fill out contact tracing forms.

An official of a video arcade operator said it was ready with its health and safety protocols 

“Nag-invest din kami sa mga air purifiers,ga disinfectants at token sterilizer nang sa gayon ay masigurado natin angs afety ng ating mga guests,” Tom’s World Philippines vice president for corporate management Oliver Co said.

Co said game consoles would be cleaned every 30 minutes.

He said the company also reduced game machines to allow social distancing inside the arcade.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry said local government units could add more health protocols.

“If they want to add more safety precautions, health protocol, they can do it. Or if they want to also limit it maybe, if not 25%, maybe 10% or i-defer muna. Depende kasi sa situation ng LGU, recognizing na iba-iba ang situation sa bawat LGUs,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

Earlier, the Inter-Agency Task Force has allowed the reopening of several industries or activities in GCQ areas. It was supposed to reopen on February 15. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News