Mabuhay! Is it safe?
The country is banking on such measures as the welfare of its tourists, domestic or foreign, come as the salient priority.
Tourism isn’t just a mere headcount of visitors. More importantly, it is an industry that creates jobs, boosts a country’s economy, and creates a sense of connection between cultures of many sorts.
“Tourism enterprises are required to strictly comply with health and physical safety before resuming operations, while we understand that these may have additional costs for them,” Department of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.
In a bid to keep the industry flowing in the Philippines, the DoT has given its stakeholders guidelines they are required to follow to reduce the risk of
local transmission and imported cases.
On 5 June, Puyat signed the Memorandum Circular 2020 — 003 or the New Normal Health and Safety guidelines for tourist land transport services. It covers transport operators, passenger vehicles and drivers.
For sedans/cars: No passenger may sit beside the driver, only two passengers are allowed at the back row with one seat apart. There can be no more than three passengers including the driver.
For vans: Only two passengers per row are allowed, except for the driver’s row. A waterproof barrier between the driver and the passenger should be placed. For buses/coasters: Only 50 percent of the total capacity will be allowed. A waterproof barrier is also required.
All tourist vehicles must have a thermometer gun, basic first-aid kits, and sanitation kits.
Transport operators and owners must also monitor its employees’ body temperature every time they report to work. Staff must, at all times, observe personal hygiene and proper grooming. Physical contact with passengers is strictly prohibited.
To reiterate the earlier Memorandum Circular signed by Secretary Puyat, in pursuant to the Republic Act 11469 or Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and RA 6593 or Tourism Act of 2009, Accommodation Establishments (AEs) such as resorts, hotels, inns, and ecolodges are therefore required to observe significant protocol changes.
The government is also in close coordination with its stakeholders in the airline industry to cascade guidelines and ensure all precautionary measures are enforced to contain the spread of the virus in the country.
As some airlines gradually resume its commercial domestic flights following the government’s directive of easing the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila, all passengers are therefore required to submit themselves to screening for flu-like symptoms. Individuals that show symptoms of COVID-19 will be isolated, quarantined, and monitored. Below are more combined guidelines set by the government and the airlines to ensure the safety of the passengers.
All passengers that are departing and arriving shall be required to electronically fill-out Health Declaration and Passenger Locator Forms.
All guests are required to wear face masks during and after the flight, even during check-in and baggage collection.
Social distancing measures shall be strictly observed inside the airport premises.
The regulation covering the maximum allowable hand-carried bags/items shall be strictly implemented.
Meals produced should be based on Global Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point standards.
Temperature screening will take place at different checkpoints, including boarding gates
The cabin crew will go through temperature checks after every shift.
* Disinfecting facilities shall be established in terminals and equipped with alcohol and/or soap. Foot baths shall also be installed in all entry and exit points of passengers and airport personnel.
* Contactless web and mobile checkin are encouraged to reduce surface and physical contact in check-in and boarding processes.