Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 11) — Vice Governor Christian Noveras appealed to tourists on Wednesday to refrain from visiting Aurora province – home to popular surfing beaches – to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease or COVID-19.
The acting governor on Wednesday said there are still no confirmed cases in Aurora or an urgent need to place it on lockdown. However, he said he wants to ensure the virus will not reach to the province.
“Sa mga panahon na ito atin pong hinihikayat ang mga TURISTA na HUWAG MUNANG magtungo sa atin lalawigan hanggat wala pa po tayong kasiguruhan na hindi makakapasok ang nasabing virus sa Lalawigan ng Aurora,” said Noveras in a Facebook post.
[Translation: During these times, we are urging tourists not to go to our province until we make sure that the virus will not spread to Aurora.]
Aurora is known for its resorts and surfing spots especially in the municipality of Baler.
Noveras also discouraged residents from attending crowded events and activities. The Department of Health earlier advised the public to practice “social distancing” or maintain a one-meter distance from other people as a precautionary measure against the outbreak.
Noveras took over the helm of Aurora after Governor Gerardo Noveras, his father, was suspended for 90 days in December last year for graft.
The country is under a state of public health emergency due to a confirmed local transmission of COVID-19. At least 49 people have been infected, DOH said.
