Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro announced Monday that the local government would suspend the reopening of cinemas and arcades in the city amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a very problematic proposition. This might bring a surge in our COVID cases, not only in Marikina but in the metropolitan Manila area,” he told ANC.
“I think it’s very important that efficient and effective vaccination program [shall] first be implemented as a prerequisite in opening up economic activities.”
“I think it’s public knowledge there’s no prior consultation with the IATF with the Metro Manila mayors and that’s the reason why we are asking for a meeting in order to have a consensus on the matter and have a uniform approach with regards to easing up quarantine measures particularly in allowing cinemas to open,” he said.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said this Sunday that mayors of Metro Manila oppose the reopening of cinemas in their areas.
According to MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos, mayors will write to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to request that cinemas not be opened.
“Napagkasunduan po ng majority na talagang ‘wag muna, as far as cinema is concerned. Kasi po unang-una, it’s enclosed. Pangalawa, wala namang sineng 30 minutes. Matagal po yan at air-conditioned,” said MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos.
Marikina to prohibit reopening of cinemas, arcades
According to Abalos, although city leaders are in favor of opening up the economy, cinemas are too dangerous.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said even some mall owners in their city are still considering and weighing the benefits of opening their cinema.
The IATF authorized “the reopening and further expansion” of the following industries in GCQ areas:
- Driving schools
- Traditional cinemas
- Video and interactive-game arcades
- Libraries, archives, museums, cultural centers
- Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions
- Limited social events at credited establishments of the Department of Tourism
- Limited tourist attractions, such as parks, theme parks, natural sites and historical landmarks