Robredo: What ‘science’ backs reopening of cinemas?

MANILA, Philippines — The reopening of cinemas and other tourist attractions in Metro Manila and other areas where COVID-19 cases remain high was opposed yesterday by Vice President Leni Robredo, who asked whether the decision was “backed by science.”

“It’s a cause for concern. I really don’t know what the science behind it is,” Robredo said in her Sunday radio broadcast over dzXL.

COVID-19 response policymaker, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), has always claimed its decisions were based on science.

This time, Robredo questioned if the decision to reopen more businesses operating in closed spaces was “backed by science,” noting that the country has yet to slow down the transmission of the virus.

The Vice President said there is a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission in enclosed areas such as cinemas and video arcades.

“We understand that we need to reopen the economy… but the people are still afraid to go out,” she said.

Apart from cinemas, the IATF has allowed driving schools, libraries, museums, video arcades, theme parks and tourist attractions in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas to resume operations.

“The best way to reopen the economy is to effectively manage the rising transmission and ensure the country’s supply of COVID-19 vaccines,” Robredo said.

She also lamented the lack of representatives from local government units in the decision-making process of the IATF.

Metro Manila mayors are planning to appeal the task force’s latest decision, saying they were not properly consulted.

“I wrote a letter to the IATF mid last year and I made some suggestions, among these is the inclusion of representatives from barangays, municipalities, cities and provinces. For this particular reason, they are the ones who know the situation on the ground,” Robredo said.

She said other countries that loosen quarantine restrictions prioritize the opening of public transportation and schools.

She has long been proposing the conduct of face-to-face classes in areas without local transmission of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reminded the faithful to continue following health protocols as churches in GCQ areas, including Metro Manila, are now allowed 50 percent capacity.

“While some protocols are now being relaxed, we urge the public to still exercise caution as COVID-19 hasn’t been extinguished yet from our midst,” said Fr. Jerome Secillano, CBCP public affairs committee executive secretary.

The IATF has allowed the increased attendance for religious gatherings starting today, ahead of Ash Wednesday on Feb. 17 and a host of activities marking 500 years of Christianity in the country.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic churches have been strictly abiding by the health protocols and guidelines issued by the IATF to ensure that their parishioners are safe from the highly contagious disease.

“We are still not safe from this virus and its unpredictable nature makes it really a threat to everyone’s health,” warned Secillano, adding that health and safety protocols implemented by the church would continue.

These include proper spacing in pews and church spaces, physical distancing, disinfecting seats after every mass, and assigning entry and exit doors. — Evelyn Macairan