Gyms to remain closed until June 15 due to super spreader risk

Gyms and fitness centers in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions, including Metro Manila, will remain closed until June 15 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Palace said Tuesday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said that the opening of gyms - which are indoors, mostly airconditioned, and involve close contact - will put people at risk of contracting COVID-19.

“Gyms are not allowed until June 15 because it is a matter of it at risk of being a super spreader event due to its nature of activities done indoors, [people] sweating and activities done in close contact,” Roque said.

“This is based on [World Health Organization] and [Department of Health] guidelines that gyms must remain closed for the time being alongside indoor amusement centers, arcades and internet cafes where it is difficult to observe social distancing. Pababain muna natin ang mga kaso ng COVID-19 (Let us bring down the number of COVID-19 cases first),” Roque added.

The Philippines has 53,757 active COVID-19 cases as of May 30. Of this number, 7,058 new cases were recorded on May 30. -MDM, GMA News