Even if some restrictions have relaxed: City cinemas won’t reopen

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City is not keen on reopening movie houses just yet even as the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has relaxed some restrictions further even to areas under the General Community Quarantine – allowing traditional cinemas, video and interactive game arcades to partially operate.

In fact, said Councilor Joel Garganera, the public should not expect movie houses to open even in the next few weeks.

“We’re closely coordinating with theater operators in the city. In fact, we have a walkthrough of one of the movie malls to witness their protocols. As a moviegoer, it’s really inspiring but, as of now, wala sa gyud ta,” he said.

Garganera is deputy chief implementer of the city’s Emergency Operations Center.  He said theater operators understand the city’s decision on the matter.

Experts have since warned that the coronavirus spreads faster in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.

Under IATF resolution No. 99, among those already given a go to re-open under GCQ include driving schools, traditional Cinemas and video- and interactive-game arcades, libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers, meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), and limited social events at accredited establishments of the Department of Tourism.

Tourist attractions like parks, theme parks, natural sites, and historical landmarks) are also allowed now under GCQ on a limited capacity.

In Cebu City, cinema operators have long submitted their proposal with regards to the safety and security of moviegoers but Cebu City has other priorities – for one, the resurgence of new COVID-19 cases.

Based on the Department of Health-7’s February 11 case bulletin, Cebu City already has 2,671 active cases. The patients come from 67 of its 80 barangays.

According to the EOC, household transmission remains high with 49 cases while outside transmission points to workplaces as number one area of transmission.

Yesterday, the EOC traced 24 cases eateries and food stalls in the streets.

Garganera reminded the public that transmission is high, especially when eating among friends and workmates because this is the time when one lowers his guard down by removing his mask. Because of this, talking while eating is discouraged and physical distancing must be observed.

Other sources of infection the EOC noted in its daily report include hospital frontliners, PDLs, public markets, supermarkets, exposure to a COVID probable patient, delivery services, and even homeless individuals.

Most of the new patients are asymptomatic, which is why critical care utilization in private hospitals is still in the safe zone at 41 percent.

More hotels are also expected to be accredited as an isolation facility and more barangay isolation centers will be re-opened so as not to overwhelm hospitals.

While the city works on curbing the resurgence, Garganera appealed to residents to limit their movement – to go out only when necessary. —  JMO (FREEMAN)