THE local governments of Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro have relaxed travel restrictions in the two tourist destinations amid the improving coronavirus disease (COVID-9) situation in the country.
Malay town mayor Frolibar Bautista said tourists are no longer required to present a negative RT-PCR or antigen test results before they are allowed to enter the island.
The local government of Malay had been requiring all visitors to first present a negative swab test result before they are cleared to stay in Boracay.
“We already removed the RT-PCR (and antigen) test requirement. We’re just requiring vaccination certificate,” said Bautista, who said the daily COVID-19 infection in the town is now down to almost zero.
Bautista said that since the restrictions were eased last February 1, Boracay has been averaging 1,500 tourist arrivals per day despite the limited operation of establishments, specifically in terms of capacity.
The town mayor appealed to tourists to strictly abide with minimum public health standards, observe the 1 to 4 a.m. curfew, and follow the no-party policy of the local government.
On the other hand, Puerto Galera town mayor Rocky Ilagan, in an interview, said they have also stopped requiring tourists to present negative antigen or RT-PCR tests before entering the town.
The town required guests to present negative RT-PCR or antigen tests in January when cases surged primarily due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
This month, Ilagan said he decided to lift the tourist requirements, in consultation with the town’s health office and the concerned sectors, to buoy the town’s economic recovery.
“Based on our consultation, we decided to remove all travel restrictions pertaining to the entry to the town of Puerto Galera. Antigen and swab (RT-PCR) tests are no longer required whether you are fully vaccinated or not,” he said, adding: “You just need to observe health protocols. Upon arrival at our port, you will be subjected to health assessment. If you have no symptoms (for COVID-19), you will be allowed to enter.”
However, Ilagan said tourists need to present their S-pass or travel pass issued by the town and confirmed reservation or booking at a resort.
Ilagan said the number of daily tourist arrivals in the town have increased to about 500, from only 100 in January, due to the relaxed travel protocols.
