Gyms too high risk to be allowed to reopen even in GCQ areas – DTI

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Saturday explained why fitness gyms were not allowed to resume operations in areas under a general community quarantine.

During the Laging Handa public briefing, Lopez said the government had to balance fitness gyms’ risks for COVID-19 transmission and its essentiality.

“Under the GCQ hindi muna [allowed] so high-risk kasi as we review the sectors to be opened, it is always finding the balance between transmission rate, potential transmission rate and essential nature of the business,” the Trade Secretary explained.

Citing advice from health experts, he said that the virus could linger on gym equipment.

“[And] it’s so difficult to really check frequently kung sanitized itong mga items na to. The gym equipment in general,” Lopez said.

“Marami sila hinahawakan diyan, metal pa so hindi po advisable na mag operate muna,” he added.

Starting May 1, areas in the country with a low to moderate risk of COVID-19 infections would be under a general community quarantine while strict confinement measures would remain in localities under the enhanced community quarantine until May 15.

The government has released a list of businesses that would be allowed to operate during the enhanced community quarantine and general community quarantine. — DVM, GMA News