Wearing of gloves, masks required in gyms, fitness centers — DTI

MANILA, Philippines — Those going back to gyms and fitness centers once they reopen on August 1 are required to wear gloves and masks, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Friday.

Gyms, fitness centers, along with internet shops, tutorial and review centers, and drive-in cinemas have been allowed to reopen at 30 percent capacity in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Establishments offering personal grooming, aesthetic services, and pet grooming were also allowed to reopen provided that employees will wear protective gear.

“Ang mga dagdag na pag-iingat po natin dito sa pagbukas ng ilan pang sektor ay yung pagrequire ng iba pang protective gears dito po sa mga sectors na ito and workers nito at customers nila,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a televised briefing.

(An additional safety measure in light of the reopening of some sectors is requiring their workers and customers to wear protective gear.)

“For example itong mga gym, mga fitness centers, mga sports faciltiies. Nirequire po natin dito sa mga pumupunta sa gym na magsshare ng equipment, kailangan may gloves sila. Syempre nakasuot din ng mask lalo ng kung may mga ibang tao doon,” he added.

(For example, we require those going to  gyms, fitness centers, and sports facilities to wear gloves and wear masks.)

Lopez noted that physical distancing must be observed and there should be good air circulation inside the establishment.

Metro Manila will remain under GCQ until August 15 along with Cebu City.

Other areas under GCQ are Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal in Luzon; Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, Minglanilla and Consolacion in the Visayas; and Zamboanga City in Mindanao.

The rest of the country will be under modified GCQ.

/MUF