Task Force spokesperson, Dr. Michelle Schlosser in an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) said the city government has allowed establishments to reopen their cinemas at 50 percent capacity after the quarantine restriction was downgraded to Alert Level 2.
“Under Alert Level 2, cinemas are allowed. They are allowed to operate as long as they follow the minimum public health standard (MPHS) and other necessary protocols,” Schlosser said.
The city has been placed under Alert Level 2 from November 15 to November 30 with more relaxed restrictions from the previous Alert Level 3 quarantine classification.
Some establishments are allowed to operate activities in indoor venues at 50 percent capacity including 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.
The Gaisano Mall of Davao and NCCC Mall Buhangin earlier announced on their respective social media platforms on plans to reopen their cinemas beginning December 1, after more than a year of closure.
Although the cinemas were already allowed to operate even under Alert Level 3 at 30 percent capacity, Schlosser, however, said 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.
Asked whether the city will be de-escalated to Alert Level 1 next week, Schlosser said that they have not received any notifications yet from the inter-agency task force (IATF) but it was already discussed during their COVID-19 Task Force weekly meeting.
All establishments under alert level 1 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. That’s the beauty of our city mayor because she’s always on top of the situation together with the COVID-19 Task Force,” Schlosser said.