Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Monday offered free swab tests to the city's cinema workers after the country's task force leading the fight against COVID-19 allowed the reopening of cinemas under general community quarantine.
Moreno said swab testing is required before the city allows malls to reopen cinemas.
"Hindi ko bubuksan ang cinema hangga't di na-tetest ang workers," he said during a meeting with mall managers of SM Manila, SM San Lazaro, Robinsons Manila, and Lucky Chinatown Mall.
MORE ON CINEMA REOPENINGS:
Reopening of Cinemas to Start in March Subject to LGU Rules, Says Palace
Cinemas Allowed to Reopen, Churches Can Increase Capacity, Says IATF
"We will extend assistance. Those who wanted to work, you have to follow this simple guidelines, this is also for their own good and their community," he added.
Janitors, security guards, tellers, ushers and porters, ticket sellers, and snack bar attendants will be covered.
While the reopening poses a risk due to an increase in foot traffic, the mayor said it could also increase the earnings of businesses and employees severely affected by the pandemic.
Mall managers will be required to present their preparations for the reopening of cinemas, in compliance with the national government's health protocols.
SM Malls managers said they would implement a two-seats-apart arrangement. Meanwhile, Robinsons Malls will follow a one-seat-apart policy.
Lucky Chinatown managers said only 2 out of its four cinemas will reopen.
All mall managers agrees to implement a "no face mask, no face shield, no entry policy."
