Fitness gyms, sports facilities, and drive-in theaters to reopen starting August 1

Starting next month, August 1, more businesses will be allowed to reopen in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) protocols. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recommended to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) the reopening of more industry sectors including review centers, sports facilities, drive-in theaters, as well as aesthetic services, and pet grooming shops as part of safe gradual opening in the country.

Lopez said, if approved, these facilities and services should have 30 percent operating capacity following stricter protocols depending on each sector. Internet shops are recommended to open for students who have limited internet access while learning online. Review centers are only allowed to accommodate a maximum of 10 seats in a room following social distancing. Aesthetic services can operate with the exception of full body massage services while barbershops will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity under GCQ areas and 75 percent capacity on areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

The secretary also asked local government units to further allow the extension of curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., to further help out businesses recover from the pandemic.

With these recommendations, President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to announce new quarantine protocols for August 1 onwards.