The Department of Tourism (DOT) is optimistic that the downgrading of COVID Alert in Metro Manila and other areas in the country to Level 1 status will have a big positive impact on the county's tourism sector.
“The Department welcomes this development as it not only indicates that we are well on our way to recovery, but is also a testament to all the work and sacrifices we have made to reach this point,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.
The Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management (IATF) of Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID), in a resolution, placed Metro Manila and 38 other areas under Alert Leve 1. The move was based on cases of transmission over the past few days, which were decreasing while the total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate in hospitals are also low.
Under the Updated Guidelines on the Nationwide Implementation of Alert Level System for COVID-19 Response, the implementation of Alert Level 1 doesn’t require the use of Safe, Swift, and Smart Passage (S-Pass) in the travel management system for inter-zonal travel to areas under the same alert level.
“Traveling between places under Alert Level 1 status, such as Baguio, Boracay, Ilocos Region, Aurora, Batanes, Laguna, Puerto Princesa City, Bacolod, Guimaras, Camiguin, and Davao City, is now easier and more convenient. The DOT anticipates with optimism the revival of many tourism jobs and opportunities that were once lost to the pandemic," said Puyat.
While health declaration forms will no longer be required for all agencies and establishments, vaccinated individuals 18 years old and above are still required to present proof of full vaccination before entry into any venue for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
Also, participating in social gatherings such as parties, wedding receptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, debut and birthday parties, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers, as well as visit to tourist attractions such as libraries, archives, museums, galleries, exhibits, parks, plazas, public gardens, scenic viewpoints or overlooks, and the like needs proof of vaccination.
The same rules apply in mass gatherings or entry into indoor establishments, such as venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences, such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters, indoor ancillary establishments in hotels and other accommodation establishments, and venues for election-related events.
The existing guidelines, according to Puyat, imposed by local government units (LGUs) with jurisdiction over tourist destinations should be adhered to help in the full restoration of the heavily impacted tourism sector.