Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 10) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) published on Wednesday the guidelines on island and beach operations under the ‘new normal’ and health and safety protocols for these destinations in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
These guidelines and health protocols are contained in Memorandum Circular No. 2020-007 which the Tourism Department issued on September 9. They take effect immediately.
Guests who intend to stay for at least one night in a beach or island destination must present a confirmed booking at a DOT-accredited accommodation establishment. Confirmed bookings must be listed in the beach’s port of entry.
Walk-in guests are not permitted to enter the island destination, unless they are part of a day tour or can present an outbound or return ticket scheduled within the same day.
The memo also instructed accommodation establishments in beach and island destinations to utilize online modes of reservation and payment through online or mobile payment applications.
Guests and staff of tourism businesses must observe minimum public health standards upon entering and staying in the island such as physical distancing, wearing of face masks and personal protective equipment, frequent disinfection of public areas, checking of body temperature, and filling up of health declaration form.
Guests with fever and flu-like symptoms are not allowed to enter the beach and will be referred to the nearest hospital or to the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team in accordance with the DOH-prescribed protocol. Beach establishments must have an Emergency Preparedness Plan “to ensure the availability of an effective response mechanism to any emergency situation.”
Outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of exercise such as swimming, surfing, running, and walking are allowed with the observance of minimum public health standards.
While under Administrative Order No. 2020-004, the Tourism Department reiterated the earlier policy of prohibiting leisure and tourism activities in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), modified ECQ, and GCQ.
The leisure travel of persons in MGCQ areas is still subject to local government regulations and the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force, in the case of Boracay Island.
Tourism establishments in island and beach destinations in MGCQ areas must also practice minimum public health standards among their guests and staff.
