The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) announced last week that gyms, fitness studios, and other non-contact indoor sports facilities in the NCR (National Capital Region) Plus areas can now operate, as long as the establishments have been granted a Safety Seal certification from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
In an IATF meeting on June 10, the task force allowed all indoor non-contact sports facilities in the NCR Plus areas to reopen at 30% of their total capacity.
These establishments, including gyms, fitness studios, racket sports courts, and skating rinks, must have Safety Seal certifications.
However, according to DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez in a Malacañang public briefing on Monday (June 14), a recommendation was made to the IATF to allow the operation of such establishments even without having secured a Safety Seal certification as these are essential for the physical fitness and wellness of Filipinos.
He suggested allowing at least 20% capacity of gyms while their certifications are still pending.
“Dahil maraming nag-re-request na gusto na magbukas agad, pwede nating i-request na imbis na 30%, magbukas kahit 20% para makapag-open sila at hindi na maghintay ng mag-i-inspeksyon, dahil baka hindi agad sila mapuntahan,” Lopez said.
The recently approved Safety Seal certification program indicates that an establishment is compliant with the government’s health protocols.
The requirements to acquire a Safety Seal includes compliance with physical distancing, wearing face masks and face shields, assuring proper ventilation, and the use of the StaySafe.PH contact tracing platform. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio / CF-jlo
