Palace advises Boracay, Bohol to prepare for possible lifting of tourist ban

June 3, 2020

Malacañang advised on Wednesday resort owners in Boracay island in Aklan and Bohol to prepare for possible lifting of tourist ban in the coming weeks.

In a radio interview, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said those areas under modified general community quarantine would soon be allowed to operate up to 50 percent.

But he said before resorts and hotels could operate, they have to apply with the Department of Tourism to ensure that  health protocols are followed.

"We are expecting that Boracay and Bohol will be allowed first (to open for tourists)...but the resort owners should already prepare because it's coming," he said.

Under the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolution No. 42, Aklan where Boracay is located is under MGCQ while Bohol is still under  GCQ.

While a ban on swimming in Boracay has been lifted, Roque said only residents in the island are allowed to swim.

"But we expect in the next two weeks, if the data won't change, they might already be in MGCQ, and they are the first one to open for tourism," he said referring on the coronavirus disease cases.

IATF Resolution No. 42 provides for the quarantine level for each place in the country effective June 1 until June 15. Celerina Monte/DMS