By Kristel Satumbaga
The Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) will carefully study the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) resolution on the resumption of outdoor activities including its sport in light with the country’s coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic situation.
Philta President Atty. Antonio Cablitas said he will convene with fellow officials regarding the resolution where tennis are now allowed on areas under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) and Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).
“Baka may limitations pa yan. Kaya whatever would be circulated must be studied carefully,” he said.
Under Section 4(13) of IATF Resolution No. 38, “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 the 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.”
Cablitas said training can’t be held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex for gthe meantime since it’s still being used as temporary medical facility.
“It would be awkward (for the players), so we have to thread carefully with regards to the venues,” he said.
The pandemic has put everything on hold even Philta’s programs where it was supposed to take part in age-group tournaments in Japan, Tunisia and China.
For now, members of the PH team are limited to conditioning training as tennis venues are still closed.
