Consider plight of cinema, production workers, Roque says amid reopening concerns

FILE PHOTO Government assures strict social distancing measures and disinfection will be implemented during the reopening of cinemas. RICHARD A. REYES / INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday said that the plight of workers in the cinema and production industry should be considered after a concern was raised on the opening of cinemas under Alert Level 3.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Dr. Tony Leachon, former special adviser to the National Task Force Against COVID-19, noted that opening cinemas is “very risky” as “theaters are indoors, can involve being near crowds and may be poorly ventilated.”

Roque countered that limitations and safety measures are in place to prevent COVID-19 transmission inside movie theaters.

“Hindi po kami matatakot sa kahit anong rekomendasyon ni Dr. Leachon. Unang-una ito po’y para sa mga bakunado lamang. Pangalawa po, 30-percent seating capacity. Wala po ‘yang magkakatabi. Tapos number three, mayroon pang guidelines na in-issue po ang ating DOH (Department of Health) na kinakailangan may ventilation, may use of air purifier system,” Roque said during the Palace briefing.

(We will not be threatened by any recommendation of Dr. Leachon. First, moviegoers shall be vaccinated. Second, 30-percent capacity will be observed. No people sitting side-by-side. Third, the DOH issued guidelines which indicate that there should be ventilation and use of air purifier systems.)

“Isipin din po natin ‘yung mga naghahanapbuhay na related sa mga sinehan. Hindi lang po ‘yan ‘yung mga sinehan mismo, kung hindi ‘yung mga artista, mga cameramen, mga extras. Lahat po sila nakasalalay diyan sa hanapbuhay,” he added.

(Let us think of the livelihoods in the cinema industry. Not only those in movie theaters themselves, but also actors, cameramen, extras. They all bank their jobs in cinemas.)

Roque likewise noted that the government is not sacrificing the public’s health while reopening the economy as almost 80 percent of individuals in Metro Manila are already vaccinated.

Cinemas will be allowed to operate starting October 16 when Metro Manila downgrades to Alert Level 3.

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