COVID-19

Rule allowing cinemas to operate in Metro Manila effective March 1

Pia Ranada

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Rule allowing cinemas to operate in Metro Manila effective March 1

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Other cities or provinces can opt to already allow cinemas to open even before March 1 if they've crafted guidelines on it

The national task force decision allowing cinemas to operate in general community quarantine areas will only take effect in Metro Manila on March 1, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Monday, February 15.

This was after Metro Manila mayors expressed apprehensions about the policy, as announced by Malacañang on Friday, February 12. 

“March 1 is the reopening of cinemas subject to guidelines by the local government units in NCR (National Capital Region),” said Roque.

Meanwhile, other cities or provinces can opt to already allow cinemas to open even before March 1 if they’ve crafted guidelines on it.

The national government has left it to local governments to decide up to what seating capacity cinemas can open their doors.

Meanwhile, Dr Minguita Padilla, a doctor advising the national pandemic task force, cautioned against allowing air-conditioned or indoor cinemas as the lack of air ventilation and circulation could lead to spikes in COVID-19 cases.

She said a better option would be for malls or other establishments to have “outdoor cinemas” in empty lots or outdoor spaces.

As of Monday, the Philippines has had 550,860 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with 11,517 deaths and 511,755 recoveries. – Rappler.com

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Pia Ranada

Pia Ranada is Rappler’s Community Lead, in charge of linking our journalism with communities for impact.