Cinemas told to strictly observe 50% capacity

As some malls are set to reopen their cinemas under Alert Level 2, an official of the Davao City COVID-19 Task Force reminded them to strictly observe the required capacity to prevent the spread of the virus.

During Friday’s Bida Bakunado program over the Davao City Disaster Radio, Davao City COVID-19 Task Force spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser said the city government has allowed establishments to reopen their cinemas at 50% capacity after the quarantine restriction was downgraded to Alert Level 2.

“Under Alert Level 2, pwede na gyud ang cinemas (cinemas are allowed). They are allowed to operate as long as they will follow the minimum public health standard (MPHS) and other necessary protocols,” Schlosser said.

On Saturday, November 13, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque that Davao City will be placed under Alert Level 2 with more relaxed restrictions – from the previous Alert Level 3 quarantine classification – from November 15 to November 30.

Some establishments or activities were allowed to operate or be undertaken at a maximum of 50% for indoor venues, including cinemas and movie houses, for fully vaccinated individuals and those below 18 years of age, even if unvaccinated, provided that all workers/employees of these establishments are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and MPHS shall be strictly maintained.

Earlier, the Gaisano Mall of Davao and NCCC Mall Buhangin announced on their respective social media platforms that they will reopen their cinemas on December 1, after more than a year of closure.

“They have to observe 50 percent capacity sa venue and they have to follow the minimum health standard pero naa pod tay guideline sa DTI (but there is also a guideline from DTI). We also have to follow the guidelines of DTI,” Schlosser reminded the establishments.

Schlosser added that although cinemas were already allowed to operate even under Alert Level 3 at 30% capacity, the city government did not permit it as part of precautionary measures against the possible increase of cases. But, as the cases continue to significantly drop here, it has finally allowed it.

“Even sa Alert Level 3, allowed man ang cinemas pero again they have to observe the capacity of the venue. Sa Alert level 2, 50 percent, sa Alert Level 3, 30 percent,” she said.

Asked whether the city will be de-escalated to Alert Level 1 next week, Schlosser said that they haven’t received any notifications yet from the IATF but it was already discussed during their COVID-19 Task Force weekly meeting.

Under Alert Level 1 all the establishments are allowed to operate without restrictions on capacity.

She assured that the city is preparing for the possible developments and the implications of relaxed restrictions.

“We are always prepared and we are also prepared for the worst. We are prepared for what to happen and we are also preparing for what is the worst. Moa nay kagwapohan pod sa atoang (That’s the beauty of our) city mayor because she’s always on top of the situation together with the COVID-19 Task Force,” the health official said.CIO