DTI orders closure of cinemas, arcades for two weeks

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez announced that movie houses, gaming arcades, driving schools, museums, cultural centers, and other establishments will be temporarily closed for two weeks due to rising COVID-19 cases.

Lopez stated he would issue a circular on Friday, March 19, reversing the previous decision to allow cinemas to reopen at 25% capacity in GCQ areas.

The DTI is also proposing to limit meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions to 30% capacity and reduce venue capacity in restaurants, cafes, and personal care services back to 50%.

Lopez's change of stance comes after he tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time.

He had previously advocated for further reopening of businesses to boost economic recovery but now supports scaling back activities to help address the surge in cases.