NCR mayors decide to keep gyms, spas closed until April 4

MANILA – The Metro Manila Council (MMC), composed of Metro Manila (National Capital Region) mayors and national government officials, has voted to keep gyms, spas, and internet cafes closed during the imposition of the general community quarantine (GCQ) bubble until April 4, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this announcement a day after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) decided to allow gyms, fitness centers, and spas to operate on limited capacity.

“Sarado po sa susunod na dalawang linggo ang mga gyms, spas, at internet cafes (Gyms, spas, and internet cafes will be closed for the next two weeks),” Roque said in a virtual press briefing.

Initially, gyms and fitness centers inside the GCQ bubble are allowed to operate up to 75 percent of their capacity while spas are allowed to operate up to 50 percent capacity.

Roque explained that the MMC decided to keep these establishments closed to control the spike in Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila.

“Alinsunod sa guidelines na in-issue ng DTI na mayroong kapangyarihan ang [local government units] na isara ang gyms, spas, at internet cafes nagbotohan na po ang mga Metro Manila mayors at sarado na po sa susunod na dalawang linggo ang gyms, spas, at internet café (According to the guidelines of the DTI, LGUs have the power to close gyms, spas, and internet cafes and Metro Manila mayors have voted to close them for two weeks),” he added.

Other establishments prohibited in the GCQ bubble are driving schools, traditional cinemas and video and interactive game arcades, libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers, limited social events at accredited tourism establishments and limited tourism attractions except open-air tourism attractions.

All public gatherings including religious gatherings are prohibited while face-to-face meetings are discouraged. However, weddings, baptisms, and funeral services will be limited to 10 persons.

In restaurants, only outdoor dining will be allowed at 50 percent operational capacity provided that engineering and administrative controls are in place like acrylic or small dividers, limiting to two persons per table, among others.

Restaurants, cafes, and similar establishments will be allowed to operate delivery and take-out services only for the duration of GCQ.

Current operational capacities of essential and non-essential services/industries will be maintained subject to minimum health standards.

Public transportation will also retain current capacity while biking and walking will also be encouraged.

There will also be a common curfew imposed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Workers, cargo vehicles, and public transportation will not be restricted by the said curfew.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday approved placing Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal in a GCQ bubble for two weeks to curb the spread of Covid-19.