DOT advises public to be responsible tourists amid easing of COVID-19 restrictions

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday advised the public to be responsible tourists as more restrictions in light of COVID-19 have been eased up due to the decline in the number of infections.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, DOT Assistant Secretary Woodrow Maquiling Jr. said tourists have to be more conscious with minimum public health standards.

“We have to be responsible tourists kahit dito sa sariling bayan natin [even in our own country]. We have to be more responsible sa paglabas natin at mas conscious tayo [when going out and to be more conscious],” he said.

Maquiling made the statement following reports on the increasing number of visitors in some tourist spots in the country.

He added that the public should follow the preventive measures to ensure that the country will not go back to the “peak” of COVID-19 infections.

According to Maquiling, the DOT has been coordinating with local government units to monitor the compliance of establishments with the established health protocols.

He said the DOT will revoke the accreditation of establishments that will violate the protocols, which will force the establishment to cease operation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier, the government's inter-agency task force in addressing the pandemic has downgraded Metro Manila’s alert status to Level 3.

Under Alert Level 3, which will be in place until October 31, 2021, several establishments will be allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals, and 50% outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.

Among establishments allowed to operate under Alert Level 3 are indoor visitor or tourist attractions, libraries, archives, museums, galleries, and cultural shows and exhibits. —KBK, GMA News