LGUs to decide on opening of gyms, internet cafés —DTI chief

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has authorized the local government units (LGUs) to schedule the reopening of gyms, internet cafés, and other businesses in their respective areas.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said LGUs will assess the health risk of the location of  these businesses in light of the COVID-19 threat.

“Sa pagbubukas ng internet cafe. We leave it to the local government units 'yung timing dahil ‘yung iba will need more preparations para rito,” Lopez said.

“At saka 'yung pagbubukas ng gym kailangan din ng additional guidelines on health protocols kaya again nakikipag-ugnayan tayo sa Metro Manila mayors,” he added.

Lopez said some mayors wanted to open gyms and internet cafés only in areas that are not crowded to avoid the possible transmission of coronavirus.

“From our end, meron tayong mga standard pa na additional guidelines katulad ng pagbubukas ng pinto o kaya pagdagdag ng air purifiers para mas maganda 'yung air circulation,” he said.

READ: DTI Guidelines

On August 31, DTI already allowed the reopening of fitness gyms, drive-in cinemas, computer shops, and other business establishments in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Among the ‘last batch of sectors’ that are scheduled for reopening are testing and tutorial centers, review centers, gyms, fitness centers, and sports facilities, internet cafes, personal grooming, aesthetic services and pet grooming.—AOL, GMA News