The Manila city government will conduct further studies and consultations on the reopening cinemas and game arcades, among other leisure activities amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso said he is "open to the idea" of reopening cinemas but said that preventive measures must be taken to prevent the spread of infection in enclosed spaces.
"Pinagaaralan pa namin kasi (We are still studying it because), while it is true that we want to open more businesses, are we ready to come up with a plan? Kailangan responsable pa rin (We still have to be responsible)," he told reporters on Monday, Feb. 15.
"I am open to the idea pero ayaw lang naming magkabiglaan lang (but we don't want it to be sudden)," he added.
Domagoso said frontline health workers, members of the Manila Health Department, and theater owners will be consulted about the proposed plan to reopen cinemas.
The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) on Feb. 12 announced that it will allow the reopening of cinemas and other places in areas under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
Domagoso said those who wish to visit the City of Manila for leisure can go to the capital city's open green spaces like Intramuros, the Andres Bonifacio Monument Park, Mehan Garden, and Rizal Park.
Studies have shown that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is more easily transmitted in closed spaces than in open air spaces.