Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24) — Gym members and sports practitioners could be in for a reprieve after the Department of Trade and Industry issued new guidelines to help them amid the pandemic.
DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-59 said franchisors of micro, small, and medium enterprise gyms/fitness centers and sports facilities franchisees are “encouraged to waive royalty fee, including any penalties and/or charges, during the period the establishments were not allowed to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The same memorandum said these facilities are encouraged to “waive membership fees, including any penalties or charges if any, and/or extend the validity of membership in proportion to the period when the establishment was not allowed to operate” due to the pandemic.
The DTI said members should not be denied use of the facilities based solely on late or non-payment of fees while the establishments were not allowed to operate.
Gyms and fitness centers were among the businesses shut down under enhanced community quarantine restrictions.
However, gyms, fitness centers, and sports facilities were allowed to reopen at 30% capacity in general community quarantine areas, and 50% capacity under modified general community quarantine starting August 1.
