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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Boracay still a safe destination; COVID-19 cases isolated—mayor

Boracay still a safe destination; COVID-19 cases isolated—mayor

Published Jan 26, 2021 12:59 pm

ILOILO CITY – A local official has maintained that world-class Boracay Island continues to be a safe tourist destination even after some workers at a posh hotel and resort tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

A couple walks along the white sand beach of world-famous Boracay Island when it reopened to domestic tourists last October 1, 2020. (Tara Yap/File/Manila Bulletin)

“Boracay is safe. There is nothing to worry about,” said Mayor Frolibar Bautista of Malay, Aklan, which has jurisdiction over the island.

He allayed fears that COVID-19 could spread around the island, and maintained that the cases were already contained, and those infected have been isolated.

The hotel and resort will be closed until January 28 for disinfection and contact tracing.

The positive cases were not from the island itself. The hotel and resort staff reportedly crossed to mainland Malay town, and then back to Boracay.

“The management assured it is doing its best to follow health protocols,” Bautista added.

The mayor also said visitors were still required to follow strict health protocols set by the national government, and only those with negative tests for the coronavirus will be allowed entry to the island.

“The rules are the same. No COVID test, no entry,” Bautista said.

Boracay reopened to domestic tourists last October 2020 after travel restrictions were eased when the lockdown was lifted.

Meanwhile, Bautista warned visitors against using fake COVID-19 test results just to gain entry into Boracay.

“If you have fake COVID-19 test results, you are wasting your time. You would be caught and eventually be placed under quarantine. You’d also face criminal charges,” Bautista warned.

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