ILOILO City – Cinemas here reopened following the city’s return to modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status in January.
But those who dared to watch films on the wide screen were greeted by not only the usual dimness but also by empty seats.
A two-seat-apart scheme is being implemented inside cinemas as part of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Kon tan-awon, daw halos 25 percent na lang gani ang capacity nila,” said Iloilo City COVID Task Force head Jeck Conlu.
Cinema operators described the number of moviegoers as not encouraging, said Conlu.
“Gamay kaayo ang galantaw…gaagunto sila,” according to Conlu.
Even then, cinema operators are strictly enforcing health safety protocols. Aside from physical distancing, moviegoers are prohibited from bringing food and drinks in cinemas. Disinfection is conducted after every movie shown. Spectators are required to wear facemasks and face shields at all times.
Conlu said the Iloilo City COVID Task Force regularly checks cinemas for compliance to the health protocols.
Aiming to energize the economy, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) announced it was allowing cinemas, museums, games arcades, and other leisure establishments to reopen even in areas under GCQ. Metro Manila mayors, however, opposed this. Malacañang subsequently ordered the postponement of the reopening of movie houses.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the reopening of cinemas in the National Capital Region was moved to March 1 and subject to the approval of concerned local government units.
Cabinet secretary Karlo Nograles, chairman of the IATF-EID, said, “It can’t be the same as far as the economy is concerned. At this point, nandito na tayo sa risk management. Wala na tayo sa risk aversion.”/PN
