Moreno: Free swab test to workers in Manila City cinemas

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso. (Photo from the Manila City Mayor’s Office)

MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Manila will offer free swab tests to workers in movie theaters operating in the city.

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso announced this Monday after the national government said the operation of cinemas located in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas will soon be allowed to resume.

Moreno said he will require cinema workers to undergo swab tests before the local government allows malls to reopen their movie houses.

“Hindi ko bubuksan ang cinema hangga’t ‘di nate-test ang workers (I will not allow cinemas to reopen until workers are tested),” he said during a meeting with mall managers.

“We will extend assistance. Those who wanted to work, you have to follow these simple guidelines. This is also for their own good and their community,” he added.

Specifically, the city mayor said movie theater workers like janitors, security guards, tellers, ushers, porters, ticket tellers, and snack bar attendants, among others, will be given free swab tests at the Manila Health Department.

Moreno also asked mall managers to present to the local government their respective preparations for the reopening of their cinemas to the public in order to assure the safety of viewers.

Earlier Monday, Malacañang said the reopening of cinemas in areas under GCQ has been moved to March 1 after Metro Manila mayos opted to defer its implementation amid persistent threats of Covid-19 in the National Capital Region.