The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urged gym operators to create outdoor activities to allow more operation capacity under the Alert Level System (ALS).
Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said in a briefing on Monday that it is now essential to reopen gyms at limited capacity to strengthen the health and boost immunity against Covid-19.
“As much as possible, mag-develop kayo ng outdoor activity na pang-exercise na gym [As much as possible, you should develop outdoor activity for exercises],” he said.
Outdoor exercises are allowed at 100 percent capacity for all alert levels except Alert 5.
Under Alert 4 in the National Capital Region, indoor sports, courts or venues, fitness studies, gyms, swimming pools and other indoor leisure centers or facilities are not allowed. However, those conducting a bubble-type setup as provided by relevant guidelines are permitted.
The same facilities are not allowed as well under Alert 5. Operational capacity is limited at 30 percent and 50 percent for Alert 3 and Alert 2, respectively. Full capacity is permitted under Alert 1.
Earlier, Lopez shared that the Covid-19 Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases is studying the inclusion of gyms as essential sector to allow more mobility in said industry.
The DTI chief said that if the discussion on the matter is concluded by September 30—last day of ALS pilot testing in NCR—the new guidelines for the reopening of gyms might be released by October 1.
Lopez proposed that 20-percent indoor capacity for fully vaccinated customers be allowed for gyms during Alert 4.
This should be complemented with minimum public health standards such as no removal of masks and physical distancing at all times, in addition to improving ventilation and installing air purifiers.
“Things like these can also be done para lang mapanatiling safe ang lugar na yun. Kaya, naniniwala kaming may solusyon naman pagdating sa indoor [We can do things like these to keep the vicinity safe. We believe there is solution to allow indoor capacity],” Lopez said.
“So we should manage how to function in a very safe manner and save small businesses and jobs,” he added.
For now, Lopez said that no changes in guidelines would be implemented during the pilot test.