By Genalyn Kabiling
Boxing, wrestling, and similar contact sports will remain prohibited in areas under quarantine to avoid the spread of the new coronavirus disease.
Running, biking, golf and tennis, on the other hand, will be allowed in quarantine areas subject to certain health precautions, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (Jansen Romero / MANILA BULLETIN)
"'Yung mga contact sports, hindi pa puwede ngayon. Maybe as we go down the road, puwede na 'yan (Contact sports are not yet allowed. Maybe as we go down the road, those may be permitted)," Lorenzana, head of the national task force on the government's coronavirus response, said during a virtual press briefing Wednesday.
"Ang authorized sports are biking, tennis, and golf because they can distance from each other. 'Yung boxing, wrestling at... contact sports 'yan. Nagkakalapitan pa at nag-aakapan pa so wala pa tayong guidelines diyan dahil hindi pa authorized (The authorized sports include biking, tennis and golf because they can distance from each other. Boxing, wrestling are contact sports where they come into close physical contact so we have no guidelines yet because those are not yet authorized)," he said.
The government has laid down the revised guidelines of businesses, services, and activities allowed and not allowed under different quarantine qualifications. The latest rules have been issued as the government announced plans to ease the lockdown restrictions in different provinces and cities in the country.
Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu City, all high-risk areas, will be placed under modified enhanced community quarantine from May 16 to May 31 to stem the surge of coronavirus cases. Several moderate-risk areas will be put under general community quarantine (GCQ), while low-risk areas will be placed under modified GCQ during the same period.
Under the guidelines released by the Palace Wednesday, the government has ruled that "exercise" is not allowed in ECQ areas.
In modified ECQ areas, limited outdoor exercises such as walking, jogging, running, and biking will be allowed. Those engaged in these exercises are required to follow certain safety protocols such as wearing of face masks and observing a two meter- distancing rule.
Limited contact sports such as tennis and golf, on the other hand, may resume in GCQ areas.
Gyms, fitness studios, and sport facilities will also remain prohibited in all ECQ, MECQ, and GCQ places.
Still banned in all quarantine areas are entertainment facilities such as cinemas, theaters, karaoke bars; kid amusement industries such as playrooms and rides; libraries, archive, museums, and cultural centers; tourism destinations such as water parks, beaches and resorts; travel agencies, tour operators, reservation service, and similar activities; and personal care services such as massage parlors, sauna, facial care, and waxing.