Partial reopening of cinemas, parks, museums, churches ok'ed by IATF

The government has allowed more public spaces in areas under general community quarantine to reopen starting on Monday Feb. 15 subject to guidelines and limitations.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press briefing today that the Inter-Agency Task Force has allowed the partial reopening of cinemas, libraries, game arcades, museums, cultural centers, as well as certain tourist attractions such as parks, natural sites and historical landmarks.

Also given the green light to reopen are industries related to meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, driving schools, as well as social events at accredited establishments of the Tourism Department.

Religious gatherings in GCQ areas have also been allowed to open up further from the previous 30% of capacity to 50%.

Roque said that the Department of Health and local government units will come up with guidelines in the next few days.

The move, Roque said, is due to the need to jumpstart the economy as the capacity of hospitals to deal with COVID-19 improves along with a more manageable infection trend.

“Alinsunod ito sa katotohanan na kailangan na natin magbukas pa ng ekonomiya dahil kinakailangan magkaroon ng karagdagang hanapbuhay," said Roque.