Visiting Boracay amid COVID-19 pandemic? Here are the guidelines

Boracay is set to welcome visitors again starting Oct. 1 from areas under general community quarantine, such as Metro Manila.

Those who wish to take a trip to the island, however, must adhere to strict protocols to ensure everyone’s health and safety.

Here are the guidelines for tourists going to Boracay as reported by Ian Cruz on “24 Oras” Wednesday.

Interested guests are required to have an RT-PCR test showing a negative result.

They should log on to aklan.gov.ph and fill out the online health declaration card.

They should also send a copy of their negative RT-PCR test result, confirmed hotel booking, and identification card to touristboracay@gmail.com.

Once approved, the guest will receive a QR code.

If coming from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the visitor has to show their negative RT-PCR test result, ID, and travel authority upon check-in.

After landing on Caticlan and before getting their luggage, those at the arrival area will be checked for the following: QR code, ID, seat number, body temperature and symptoms.

Those who have symptoms will not be allowed to go out and will have to retake a swab test at the airport. An ambulance is on standby in case they need to be taken to a hospital.

After passing through border control, arriving tourists have to queue again to take their boarding passes for their buses and lantsa or boat.

At the Caticlan jetty port, their temperatures and QR code will be checked again.

“Ito po ’yung tinatawag natin na mga new normal natin, because health and safety would always be the primary concern of everyone,” said Tourism Assistant Secretary Roberto Alabado III.

There is a curfew on the island from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., and swimming is allowed only from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. – RC, GMA News