The government is set to issue guidelines regarding proper ventilation in theaters to reduce fears of the spread of COVID-19 in such establishments.
Last week, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) allowed the reopening of cinemas, arcades, museums, and theme parks in areas under general community quarantine, such as Metro Manila.
But some of them remained closed after the mayors of Metro Manila opposed the decision.
The Department of Health (DOH) has ensured that there will be guidelines for proper ventilation in the cinemas.
“It was discussed in the IATF and one of the safeguards that was used was the guidelines upcoming, which will be coming from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) wherein they consulted with an epidemiologist so that they can provide these ventilation requirements,” said this Monday by Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
According to the DOH, the minimum health protocols will still be followed, which will be supplemented by guidelines from the DOLE.
The DOH official also said that theaters will also be inspected.
“We are going to assess also these establishments before it is being implemented,” she said.
Malacañang decided to postpone the opening of cinemas on March 1 due to opposition from Metro Manila mayors.
Gov’t to release guidelines on reopening of cinemas: DOH
“Ang pagpapatupad po ng pagbubukas ng sinehan, kung matutuloy po, ay Marso 1,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.
The mayors of Metro Manila were alarmed by the reopening of some of the establishments, particularly the cinemas.
“Nandoon po kami nakikiisa sa pag-o-open ng ekonomiya. Pero we could not sacrifice ang health protocol po natin. Alam naman natin, sa cinema enclosed ‘yan, tatlong oras sa air-conditioned,” said Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, who is also the chairman of Metro Manila Council.
“Maaaring mas malaki ang mawala sa ekonomiya kung mauulit ang pagkalat ng virus,” said Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro.
According to the Metro Manila Council, there is no question that businesses should regroup but there should be more consultation on policies related to it.
The Metro Manila Council will meet tonight, Monday, to lay out their requirements, which will be forwarded to the IATF to be included in the following guidelines on the opening of cinemas and other entertainment hubs.