Gyms, fitness studios, and other indoor non-contact sports venues are now allowed to operate in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces, if they secure Safety Seal certification from the government.

This was announced by Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque on Friday, June 11.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force on Thursday, June 10, 2021, allowed the opening of indoor non-contact sports venues with Safety Seal Certifications such as gyms, fitness studios, skating rinks, and racket sports courts in the National Capital Region Plus areas at 30% venue capacity,” said Roque in a statement.

Gyms have been shuttered for over two months, or since March 29, when the national government placed “NCR Plus” under enhanced community quarantine due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Meanwhile, museums and historical sites have also been allowed to open in
“NCR Plus,” at 20% venue capacity. Guided tours, however, are still prohibited.

What’s Safety Seal?

Indoor sports venues can open only up to 30% of venue capacity even with the Safety Seal certification.

The Safety Seal is an emblem issued by the government to an establishment to signal to its guests or customers that the establishment is compliant with measures meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Read its implementing guidelines here.

Different government agencies issue the Safety Seal of different types of establishments. For gyms, the city government is the issuing authority. See the list of issuing authorities for each type of establishment here.

The typical process for obtaining a Safety Seal is that the establishment fills out forms, which include a “self-assessment” of their compliance with health protocols.

The issuing authority then inspects the establishment and decides whether to give them the Safety Seal which the establishment can display in their premises. – Rappler.com