Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 31) — All those visiting gyms and fitness centers that are set to reopen over the weekend will be required to wear face masks and gloves, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Friday said.
“Ni-require po rin natin dito na iyong mga pumupunta po dito sa gym na nagshi-share ng mga equipment, kailangan may gloves sila. Siyempre suot din ang mask lalo na kung may mga iba pang tao doon,” he said in a media briefing.
[Translation: We require those who are going to the gyms and using shared equipment to use gloves. They also need to wear a mask, especially if there are other people around.]
The World Health Organization has cautioned against using communal equipment. It advised fitness buffs to opt for home workouts or outdoor exercises instead.
For outdoor exercises, WHO said masks should not be worn while doing strenuous activities as the sweat can dampen the mask, which will make it difficult to breathe. Instead, it underscored the importance of maintaining at least one meter distance from other people.
The government allowed gyms, fitness centers, and sports facilities in areas under general community quarantine to reopen at 30 percent capacity starting August 1. DTI eyes increasing that to 50 percent within three weeks.
Lopez said the government is aiming for a gradual restart of the economy amid the ongoing pandemic.
“The purpose right now is to bring back the work. We are adding more sectors that will be gradually reopened in areas under modified general community quarantine,” he told CNN Philippines on Wednesday.
