Gyms, internet cafes still not allowed to open in GCQ areas

MANILA, Philippines — The government task force on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has barred anew the reopening of gyms and internet cafes in areas under a general community quarantine (GCQ), Malacañang said Tuesday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque clarified the decision was made prior to the shift of Metro Manila and its nearby provinces to a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

“On gyms, it was deferred in the Cabinet meeting called by the Executive Secretary preparatory to our meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte where it was decided to give in to the demand of frontliners. Included too were internet cafes,” Roque said in a message to reporters.

“This meeting superseded the IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases] Reso[lution] approving the [reopening of] gyms and internet cafes,” he added.

The IATF previously allowed the reopening of more businesses like gyms and internet cafes for GCQ areas.

Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna, and Cavite were placed under GCQ from August 19 to 31.

Other areas under GCQ until the end of the month are Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Quezon, Iloilo City, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, and the municipalities of Minglanilla and Consolacion in Cebu province.

The rest of the country, meanwhile, is under the most lenient lockdown measure or a modified general community quarantine.

/MUF