The service industries have suffered a massive blow due to the pandemic. Hotels and resorts had to close their doors to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This has been the situation in most countries, but now things are slowly getting back to the norm.

For this reason, the Philippine president urged the public to embrace local travel and visit the tourist attraction sites in the country. This is a way of boosting the country’s economy, but it should be done when the health protocols are in place.

President Rodrigo Duterte even called upon the national government agencies and the local government units (LGUs) to ensure domestic tourism policies are formulated. Only then will the sector be operational for local travels.

However, a few months down the line, the health protocols were in place and the tourism sector began to open their doors. The world-renowned Boracay Island is the first resort to reopen after complying with the rules and regulations.

Boracay is open to local tourists

Boracay, the world-class resort, has finally opened its doors to domestic tourists after a long wait. The white sandy beaches and palm trees have made the resort a site to see for many local and international tourists. But, the resort is opened for local tourists after the health protocols we put in place. This is a move by the Philippine government to guarantee a gradual and safe revival of the pandemic’s tourism sector.

On 1st October 2020, the Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat stated that travelers below 21 and above 60 years are permitted to enter the Island. But those who are having underlying health conditions won’t be allowed into the resort.

Furthermore, if you’re a tourist visiting Boracay Island, you have to undergo an RT-PCR test. The test should be taken at least 48 hours before the initial departure. If negative, you’ll be allowed to travel to the resort. For the health ministry to guarantee all travelers’ safety, the confirmed booking in a DOT-accredited accommodation establishment, air tickets, and the negative test results should be sent online.

The Aklan provincial government then goes through the documents and approves the travel. This helps to account for everyone entering the Island; each visitor is issued a unique personal QR code. This is what is used by the provisional government monitoring the visitors.

At first, the Island welcomed the general community on 1st October, four months after the doors were opened to tourists from Western Visayas. This was a measure of controlling the traffic into the Island and monitoring the rate of infections.

According to the acting Mayor Frolibar Bautista, on the first day of reopening, there were 26 tourists who came into the Island. Here is a breakdown of how the numbers were calculated. Five tourists came from Aklan, seven were from Manila, and 14 from different regions, minus the event’s media personnel.

Frolibar continued to state that 95 tourists were expected to visit the resort on that day, but they failed to meet the government’s health requirements.

On the other hand, Romulo-Puyat saw the low count as an opportunity for the state the better assess what needs to be improved to ensure the measures are effective. In the virtual presser, she said, “it’s better that we receive fewer tourists first so that we could test out the protocols and I’m expecting the influx in the upcoming Undas…slow but sure.”

Romulo continued to say the Island is Covid- free. For things to remain the same, the government shall continue to provide support to guarantee the health and safety protocols are enforced. She continued to state that the resident’s and tourists’ safety and well-being remain a top priority of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

DOT urged tourists to be responsible and follow the rules

She further urged the tourists to be responsible and follow the guidelines and respect the rules. She continued to say one can never be too complacent, even when on vacation; hence visitors must adhere to the minimum health protocols. Additionally, one should wear a mask when possible.

Simultaneously, Mayor Bautista assured the public that appropriate Covid-response is in place should anyone tourists have symptoms of the virus. He even told the reports that tourists would be assessed by their triage, where the medical team shall assess if the suspected person has Covid or not. Once the individual is diagnosed with the various diseases, they’ll be transported via sea or land to a Kalibo facility.

On the other hand, there are about 204 Boracay hotels allowed to operate amid the pandemic. This particular hotel represents 4,474 rooms where visitors can dine and sleep while keeping safe. To guarantee safety, the DOT recommends each facility to have a designated health and safety officer. The officer is given the mandate to call the Boracay Covid Hotline number 152 should there be a guest who has the Covid symptoms.

For contact tracing in case an individual is positive for the virus. The QR code system shall be used to identify close contacts on the Island. Therefore, the Boracay resort is safe for you and your family to have a vacation.

How to find money for a family vacation?

The Boracay white sandy beaches and the cool breeze awaits you as it has been opened to the public. However, we understand the financial constraints you face, making it hard to go on a vacation. This is why RoboCash is here to facilitate your trip to the Boracay Island resort.

At the resort, you and your family will unwind and walk on the warm sand without worrying about the financial implications. This is because RoboCash offers you affordable online loans that have an ideal repayment plan tailored for you. That said if you still cannot calculate the budget in a new situation and urgently need money; you can borrow from an online lender.

The Boracay Island resort is the ideal place to be amid the pandemic. The tropical climate gives you a chance to unwind and reflect on your plans. You wouldn’t want to miss out on this opportunity to explore the Island when there are few visitors. Therefore, request for an emergency cash loan and head to the white and warm sandy beaches to unwind.