Museums and cinemas can go back to business starting March 5

Museums and cinemas are once again open to the public.
(Image: National Museum of Natural History; ABS-CBN News/Mark Demayo)

We know you missed going on museum dates.

As a way of reviving the economy, the Department of Trade and Industry has once again re-categorized business establishments to adjust their operability and overall capacity under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) areas.

READ:  The Philippines’ “first and only float-in cinema” now open

This is according to Memorandum Circular No. 21-08 issued by the DTI last Sunday, which will take effect by Friday, March 5. According to the memo, Class IV businesses have been adjusted to Class III, allowing for greater operational capacity. These businesses include the following:

Full capacity in GCQ and MGCQ areas: 

  • Driving schools

Half capacity in GCQ areas; 75% capacity in MGCQ areas:

  • Video- and interactive-game arcades
  • Libraries, archives, museums, cultural centers
  • Limited tourist attractions (e.g. parks, theme parks, natural sites, and historical landmarks
  • Meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions (MICE) events (except for social events, where 30% in GCQ areas and half capacity areas in MGCQ areas are allowed)

25% capacity in GCQ areas; half capacity in MGCQ areas:

Under the new ruling, only three types of business establishments remain under Class IV. These are businesses that are not allowed to operate under GCQ, but can operate at half capacity under MGCQ areas:

  • Language, dance, acting, and voice schools
  • Funfairs and similar activities
  • Tattoo and body-piercing studios

The memorandum also states that moviegoers attending traditional cinemas must be seated one meter apart on all sides and must comply with a “one way traffic flow” when entering or exiting theaters. They are also prohibited from eating or drinking and must stay at their assigned seats for the duration of the movie.

READ: National Museum of the Philippines reopens to the public

Last February, the IATF previously announced that traditional cinemas would reopen come February 15. However, the decision was deferred as it was marred by opposition from Metro Manila mayors, who said that there isn’t yet a working guideline to ensure proper air circulation and ventilation inside theaters.

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