DTI recommends reopening of gyms, review centers under GCQ

As part of the government's initiative to gradually reopen the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is adding more sectors to be reopened under a general community quarantine (GCQ).

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the DTI would recommend to the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) that certain Category 4 sectors be moved “to Category 3 so they can reopen under GCQ... with 30% operating capacity, unless specified otherwise.”

To be recommended for reopening by August 1 under a GCQ were:

• testing and tutorial centers, review centers
• gyms, fitness centers, and sports facilities
• Internet cafes
• personal Grooming (hair, nail, skincare except for full body massage) and aesthetic services
• pet grooming

“List to be confirmed by IATF,” Lopez said.

Lopez explained that DTI was recommending the reopening of computer and internet shops for education reasons.

"Eto yung mga puedeng gamitin for education, for research, for online learning because we are looking into alternative learning mechanics. This is an option para maging accessible din yun mga internet, computers na interconnected. In other words, may wifi, broadband. That's the reason why we are endorsing the reopening of internet shops for education," said the Trade Secretary.

The DTI would also release additional stricter protocols per sector.

"For testing centers, a maximum of 10 seats will be allowed inside the room," Lopez said.

"Social distancing, naka mask sa loob definitely. Yung mga sanitation [requirement], more than one meter apart yung mga upuan, walang convergence. Yun yung mga importante," he emphasized. — DVM, GMA News