Gov’t to release guidelines for ventilation in cinemas — DOH

MANILA, Philippines — The government will release guidelines for proper ventilation in cinemas after it allowed movie houses in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) to reopen amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.

In an online press briefing, DOH Undersecretary and spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said these guidelines will be released by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“They (DOLE) have consulted with an epidemiologist so that they can provide these requirements for ventilation, specifically in enclosed spaces para makapagprevent ng (to prevent) infection,” she said.

As to the guidelines from the DOH, Vergeire said the minimum health protocols to prevent infection to the new coronavirus should also be observed inside cinemas.

She said the DOH may release supplementary guidelines once the DOLE releases its set of protocols for ventilation in these facilities.

Earlier in the day, Malacañang said the reopening of cinemas in areas under GCQ has been moved to March 1.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made this announcement after mayors of Metro Manila expressed concerns on the new directive and deferred the reopening of cinemas in the capital region.

In October, the DOH also issued guidelines for good ventilation and proper air circulation in enclosed spaces, with Vergeire earlier saying the public can put in place administrative and engineering controls that would minimize the risk of one being infected in enclosed facilities.

EDV