Non-contact sports like badminton, tennis now allowed under GCQ

Non-contact sports such as badminton and tennis are now allowed under the general community quarantine.

According to the guidelines released by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), outdoor non-contact sports may resume provided that minimum public health standards are followed.

In Ian Cruz' report for "24 Oras," some private and public courts in Rizal have started reopening with some changes in their operations.

"Talagang social distancing din kami. Kung diyan sa upuan, kailangan dalawa lang nakaupo. Lalagyan namin ng mga linya-linya na doon lang puwede sila maupo," said Relly Andres, one of the owners of JB-ABR Badminton Court in Taytay.

"Pagpasok, meron kaming apakan. Maglalagay kami ng pang disinfect," she added.

Athletes may remove their mask while playing, but they have to wear them again when they step out of the court.

Meanwhile, Brookside Hills Subdivision in Cainta have also imposed new rules inside their tennis courts.

Those who will enter the facility will have their body temperature checked and they are also required to write their names in the logbook for easier contact tracing. Loitering is not allowed in the clubhouse.

"Bawal din ang mga table games, bawal din ang uminom, bawal din ang mga kainan," said Allan del Castillo, the president of the homeowners' association. "After the game, pagkatapos ng laro, walang socializing, uwian kaagad."

Equipment sharing is also not allowed, according to the IATF guidelines. —MGP, GMA News