LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Outdoor exercises and non-contact sports have been allowed by the Benguet Provincial Government. Gyms, fitness studios and sports facilities were also given go-signal to open, but only up to 50% of their workforce.
The green light became effective starting June 1, 2020
The go-signal was laid by Executive Order (EO) 2020-35 issued by Office of Governor Melchor D. Diclas in view of the downgrading of Benguet from General Community Quarantine (GCQ) to Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).
Under said EO, indoor and outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of exercises such as but not limited to walking, jogging, running, biking golf, tennis, table tennis, swimming, equestrian, and skateboarding shall be allowed provided wearing of facemasks, observing social distancing protocols, and non-sharing of equipment where applicable, are observed.
Further, sport events and other mass gatherings such as but not limited to religious gatherings, community assemblies, movie screenings, concerts, weddings, and other entertainment activities, non-essential work gatherings and similar events shall be allowed provided that participants shall be limited to 50% the venue or seating capacity;
Lastly, Gyms/Fitness Studios and sports facilities can reopen and operate at a maximum of 50% operational capacity.
In La Trinidad, where most of the sports establishments are located, among the minimum health standards that shall be complied with at all times for the duration of MGCQ are:
When in public places; minimize contact, maintain physical distancing, (at least, 1 meter apart);
Face masks must be used in public places as mandated by Municipal Ordinance No. 4-2020;
Avoid touching the face especially the mouth and nose, and;
Wash hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water. If not available, use alcohol or hand sanitizer.
Further, Municipal Ordinance No. 10 s. of 2020 mandates all establishments to obey guidelines on sanitation, disinfecting, physical distancing, and have wash areas and/or disinfectants readily available for public use at the entrance and exit.
Thermal scanning must be done prior to all public gatherings. All establishments are tasked to provide Health Declaration Form or logbook. No handshakes, embracing, or “beso-beso.”
La Trinidad is also strictly enforcing Municipal Ordinance No. 8-2014, which prevents smoking in public places, among others, Municipal Ordinance No. 33-2018, which prohibits spitting of momma in public places, and Municipal Ordinance No. 6-2020, which puts a liquor ban in the entire municipality until further notice.
In Baguio City, almost the same kinds of sports are allowed by the city government.
Currently, walking, jogging, running and zumba are allowed on city streets and parks. This comes with the condition that fitness enthusiasts will still observe hygienic measures like physical distancing of at least five meters and wearing of face masks.
Golf, racket games, skateboarding, cycling, and tennis were also included in the list of allowable sports activities when the city was put under a GCQ last May 15.
As of press time, sports officials of the city are discussing other sports that may be allowed under the present situation and condition.
The city’s sports office, however, clarified that the Baguio swimming pool at the Baguio Athletic Bowl is still closed as construction remains unfinished.
By: Armando M. Bolislis
