MANILA, Philippines — The IATF has given its go signal for the reopening of indoor non-contact sports venues in NCR Plus at 30% capacity.
In a statement Friday, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases said gyms, fitness studios, skating rinks, and racket sports courts can resume their operations.
It added, however, that they still need to secure Safety Seal Certifications, which vouch for businesses compliant with health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before an establishment could obtain this certification, it must have its business permits in order, use the government’s StaySafe.ph platform for contact tracing, and observe minimum health standards at all times—strict social distancing, proper ventilation, and the wearing of masks and face shields within the premises.
The IATF also approved the reopening of historical sites and museums in NCR Plus at 20% venue capacities.
Guided tours, however, are still not allowed.
“Our historical sites and museums in the NCR Plus Area may welcome visitors following the easing of quarantine restrictions. This is part of our efforts to restart tourism and leisure activities in a safe and steady manner, and to help bring back employment,” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat said in a statement Friday.
“Visitors are still urged to follow the minimum health and safety standards set for historical sites and museums to prevent a possible COVID-19 outbreak,” the tourism chief added.
In a virtual briefing, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the decision would allow 22,000 Filipinos to return to their jobs.
“Kaya malaking tulong din yan sa makakabalik dito po sa industriya na yan dahil na-reopen na po yan. Nirerequest lang natin na kailangan magpa-Safety Seal sila para ho masigurado that they are complying with the minimum health protocol(s),” he said.
[Translation: That is also a big help for those who can return to that industry because it has been reopened. We’re only requesting that they obtain Safety Seals to ensure they are complying with minimum health protocols.]
CNN PHILIPPINES