Kawawa manggagawa! Garbin opposes 2-week closure of gyms, spas

By Billy Begas

Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. on Wednesday objected and rejected the move not to allow the operation of spas, gyms, and barbershops in areas under the general community quarantine bubble.

“I object to and reject the harsh measures against the wellness business establishments on the ground that the authorities have no factual basis to prove that the wellness spas, gyms, barber shops, and beauty parlors have had positive COVID cases since last January that contributed to the second surge,” said Garbin in a statement.

Garbin said the decision to continue closing businesses under the wellness sector, “who have a key role in addressing the mental health and overall well-being of their clientele” should be backed up by facts and evidence.

“Arbitrary decisions based on conjecture and mere suspicion against the wellness business are injustice to the workers, the entrepreneurs, and their clientele,” Garbin added.

Garbin said local government units who will prevent these businesses from operating should make sure that assistance would be given to the affected employees.

“Yung mga manicurista, parlorista, masahista, therapists, fitness coaches, janitor sa gym, kahera sa parlor, at barberong mawawalan ng kita for 2 weeks, tatanggap ba sila ng ayuda? O bahala na sila sa mga sarili nila?”

In areas where these companies will be allowed to operate, Garbin said the government should conduct free saliva tests on the wellness workers, entrepreneurs, and customers.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)