Sports and other forms of exercise where social distancing can be practiced have officially been included on the list of activities to be allowed in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).
Running and cycling were listed by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases, as expected, along with golf, swimming, tennis and badminton, among others, with golf course age restrictions dropped.
Previously, the IATF had no distinct guidelines on whether golfers 60 years old and above as well as those under 21 would be allowed in golf courses or not, raising confusion as well as anger from the two sectors.
“Outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of exercise such as but not limited to walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian and skateboarding are allowed.
“Provided, that the minimum public health standards such as the wearing of masks and maintenance of social distancing protocols, and no sharing of equipment where applicable, are observed. Provided, further, that operations of the relevant clubhouses or similar establishments, if any, shall be limited to basic operations.”
The specific provision reads:
“Outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of exercise such as but not limited to walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian and skateboarding are allowed. Provided, that the minimum public health standards such as the wearing of masks and maintenance of social distancing protocols, and no sharing of equipment where applicable, are observed. Provided, further, that operations of the relevant clubhouses or similar establishments, if any, shall be limited to basic operations. For this purpose, the prohibition in Section 4 (3) does not apply.”
[Section 4 (3) refers to a provision requiring persons 60 years old and above and below 21 years old, and pregnant women to remain in their residences at all times, “except when indispensable under the circumstances for obtaining essential goods and services or for work in permitted industries and offices.]
The revision was welcomed by golf officials and players.
Orchard Golf Club in Cavite, Pueblo de Oro in Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod Golf and Country Club were among those that have opened their doors to golfers, being in areas under GCQ, while other clubs are gearing up for reopening.
