Entertainment, leisure venues reopen as city eases restrictions

Contact sports, amusement and entertainment venues will reopen in Iloilo City after almost two years of closure as the city continues to ease COVID-19 restrictions under the Alert Level 2 classification.

Mayor Jerry Treñas on Tuesday, Nov 16, 2021, issued executive order (E.O.) No. 137 allowing more sectors to operate in the metro following the implementation of Alert Level System 2 in Iloilo City from Nov. 15 to Nov. 30.

Under the E.O., the following establishments or activities shall be allowed to operate at a maximum of 50% in indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only and 70% outdoor venue capacity:

*Venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE)
*Contact sports approved by the local government unit (LGU) where such games shall be held.

*Funfairs and kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom, and kiddie rides

*Amusement parks or theme parks

*Permitted venue for social events

*Visitor or tourist attractions such as museums, exhibits, parks, public gardens, etc.

*Cinemas and movie houses

*Recreational venues such as internet cafes, billiard halls, amusement arcades, bowling alleys, swimming pools, etc.

*Limited face-to-face or in-person classes for higher education and for technical-vocational education and training

*Licensure or entrance/qualifying examinations administered by their respective government agency

*Personal care establishments such as hair spas, salons, spas, and those offering aesthetic cosmetic services or procedures

*Fitness studies, gyms, and venues for non-contact exercise sports subject to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) sector specific protocols

*Film, music, and television production subject to the guidelines issued by government agencies.

The EO also allows the operation of venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls and theaters

However, the operation of the above-mentioned establishments or activities will be premised on the condition that all the employees are fully vaccinated.

“All organizers or managers of activities or establishments whose operation or maximum capacity are allowed premised on the condition of having fully vaccinated staff and shall advise said staff to attach their respective vaccination cards or a faithful reproduction of the same to their uniforms where it can be readily seen by patrons and compliance officers,” the EO said.

Despite the reopening of the entertainment venues, prohibition of public consumption of liquor in Iloilo City shall remain until the end of November. The sale of alcoholic drinks shall be allowed from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Establishments and persons who will violate the liquor ban shall face the necessary penalties.

Meanwhile, certain activities also remain prohibited such as the face-to-face classes for basic education except those previously approved by the IATF and casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery, and betting shops and other gaming establishments except those which are authorized.

Business establishments allowed to operate shall strictly implement the required public health standards prescribe by the authorities. They are also directed to report or notify public health authorities of workers who show signs and symptoms of Covid-19. (ERS)