Boracay to Reopen for Tourist on June 16, But from Western Visayas Only
BORACAY – The most visited summer destination will reopen its borders to tourists on June 16, 2020, but for Western Visayas residents only.
Boracay Island will again accept tourist from the start of June 16 as the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) approved on June 11 Aklan’s recommendation to reopen. However, only for residents came from Western Visayas.
Western Visayas is part of the neighboring provinces of the island: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu formally announced this Thursday, June 11, at a briefing with Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat.
Cimatu said their recommendation for reopening the island has been approved by the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force, which also oversaw the island’s rehabilitation last year, based on the report of Manila Bulletin.
“The task force approved the recommendation of the LGU for the opening of Boracay for tourism effective June 16 this year. That will only be applicable for tourists coming from the Western Visayas,” Cimatu said.
Boracay is part of Malay, Aklan which has undergone a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), from general community quarantine (GCQ), on June 1. On that day, Aklan Mayor Frolibar Bautista also allowed Boracay residents to swim in eight designated swimming areas within the front beach and at the secluded Puka Beach.
Only one hundred swimmers will be allowed in each swimming area, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday. They also placed red flags in places where people could not swim.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Puyat said tourists should still follow MGCQ’s health protocols, such as wearing a face mask and following proper social distancing. In his online press briefing on Wednesday, June 10, he said Boracay is now COVID-19 free.
“What is important now is that when a tourist goes to a place, the health protocol is there. It’s safe for the domestic tourists to go to that place, since COVID is not there. And eventually, we can open it to foreign tourists,” Tourism Secretary said.
READ ALSO: Boracay Resto Now Allow Tourists for Dine, Must Bring Owned Utensils
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