TRADE Secretary Ramon M. Lopez is proposing a partial reopening of gyms that do not have a safety seal certification.
In a briefing on Monday, Mr. Lopez said he will request the government’s task force against the coronavirus to allow the operation of gyms at 20% capacity before they receive safety seal certifications.
Gyms and other indoor non-contact sports venues with certification are now allowed to operate up to 30% capacity in Metro Manila and neighboring regions.
Establishments that have been checked to be compliant with health safety protocols are given stickers displayed at entry points.
Mr. Lopez said his proposal will allow those waiting for inspection by the local government to resume business even at minimal capacity.
“Hopefully, this will encourage consumer confidence,” Mr. Lopez said.
Once the gyms have been certified, they will be able to reopen at 30% capacity. Establishments with safety seals, including restaurants, are allowed to increase their capacities by 10 percentage points.
Over a hundred applications for safety seals assessed by the Trade department have been denied due to non-compliance with health safety protocols, while another hundred have been approved. About 600 are still pending, Mr. Lopez said on Friday.
Safety seal inspection and certifications are divided among different government agencies. The Trade department covers various retail and repair services shops. — Jenina P. Ibañez