Boracay assures strict implementation of health protocols starting today

Beginning Tuesday, June 16, limited Boracay establishments are now allowed to operate, including hotels and restaurants, so long as they follow health protocols as they reopen.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat assured that there will be a strict implementation of social distancing, face mask/shields requirements among staff and tourists from establishments in the Western Visayas provinces.

Furthermore, frequent temperature checks and sanitation are also being observed.

Puyat added that tourists are required to sign health declaration forms upon arrival. She even commended Boracay for its compliance in the imposed guidelines preventing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Very impressed ako sa ginagawa ng Boracay ngayon kasi talagang yung pinakita nila, contactless, walang hinahawakan,” she shared.

As a way of promoting cashless transactions, QR scanners are deployed among most establishments.

Only those that passed the inspection and accreditation by the Department of Tourism will be allowed to resume its operations starting today. Of course, they are tasked to follow the health standards of the Department of Health and the WHO.

Malay, Aklan acting mayor Frolibar Bautista admitted that the island heavily relies on its tourism to survive.

“Kailangan na kasi ang Malay, sa Boracay, dependent kami sa tourists. ‘Pag wala kaming turista, wala kaming income kaya kailangan na rin naming makapag-operate,” he said.

In fact, protocols around the area include a two-meter distance between tourists swimming in the beach. Moreover, a maximum of two persons per room in hotels is implemented.

Boracay remains COVID-free since the beginning of June.