Iloilo City seeks reopening of spas, gyms, wellness centers amid MECQ

The Iloilo City government asked the national task force to allow spas, gyms, and wellness centers to operate amid the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) status.

In a letter addressed to the officials of the National Task Force Against Covid-19 on Thursday, Mayor Jerry Treñas requested for the reopening of non-essential establishments in the metro, particularly health and wellness centers.

“While we understand that under the Inter-Agency Task Force Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines amendments as of May 20, 2021 and the latest Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issuance of memorandum circular 21-15 aforementioned establishments are still not allowed to operate under MECQ, as local chief of this city whose only priority is the welfare of the people, the undersigned favorably endorsing the said letter hoping for your kind consideration,” the letter read.

According to Treñas, the implementation of MECQ in lloilo City has been running for almost four weeks and resources and assistance for the basic needs of the residents were limited.

Among the most affected sector are non-essential establishments particularly spas, gyms, aesthetic clinic, and entertainment venues as they were forced to close down since May 24 due to the imposition of MECQ.

The mayor anchored his appeal in an open letter from the Health and Wellness Association of Iloilo Inc. (HWAII) requesting that they be allowed to operate despite the extended implementation of MECQ in the city of Iloilo until June 30, 2021.

The group headed by Dr. Yule Quiampang of Skinetics Derma Clinic and President Jobert Cautivar of Moana Day Spa pleaded that they be allowed to re-open as the almost four weeks of MECQ left them debilitated with no income and jobless employees.

“By making us remain closed until June 30, 2021, we are debilitated. You have left us with rent and bill arrears, prolonged joblessness for our staff, massage therapists, and other skilled employees, and no income for us business owners,” the letter HWAII read.

Iloilo City was initially placed under MECQ from May 24 to 31. Due to the continues surge in COVID-19 cases, it was extended from June 1 to 30.

Treñas issued Executive Order No. 53 series of 2021 providing guidelines under MECQ.

While the EO mandated the reopening of salons, barbershops and nail spas up to 30% capacity, most non-essential establishments such as indoor and outdoor sports venues, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibition (MICE) venues, tourist attractions, dermatological and massage clinics, recreational and entertainment venues, gyms, and spas are still not allowed to operate.

Treñas suggested in his appeal to allow the operation of health and wellness establishments at a lowered capacity of (30%) venue/seating capacity, with innovations on how to limit exposures and full compliance to public health protocols for additional intervention measures provided for these establishments.

“It is my humble submission to allow them to operate at a lowered capacity of (30%) venue/seating capacity, with innovations on how to limit exposures and full compliance to public health protocols for additional intervention measures provided for these establishments. Rest assured minimum health protocols will be limited.” (ERS)