Intramuros reopens with new-normal protocols
As the property can only allow a limited number of visitors at a time, circulation plans have been plotted for all gated sites and museums including Fort Santiago, Puerta Real Gardens, ASEAN Gardens, Parian Gate, Plaza San Luiz Complex and Baluarte De San Diego. These will be activated to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and avoid congestion.
istoric walled city Intramuros has reopened its doors for sightseers on 17 February, Department of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat eagerly shared the news on 17 February during formal rites at the site.
“Intramuros is ready and prepared for its reopening following the easing of quarantine restrictions and the minimum health and safety standards set for parks, plazas, open spaces, heritage sites and museums,” said Puyat who is also the Intramuros Administration (IA) Board of
Administrators Chairperson.
Health and safety protocols against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) consistent with Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging and Infectious Diseases (IATF) guidelines will be strictly enforced in the property.
Signage and informational materials are installed strategically at high traffic areas like Palacio del Gobernador, Fort Santiago, Museo de Intramuros, Plaza San Luis, Casa Manila, Baluarte de San Diego, Puerto Real Gardens, Presidents’ Gallery, Plaza Roma and Plazuela de Sta. Isabel.
As the property can only allow a limited number of visitors at a time, circulation plans have been plotted for all gated sites and museums including Fort Santiago, Puerta Real Gardens, ASEAN Gardens, Parian Gate, Plaza San Luiz Complex, and Baluarte De San Diego. These will be activated to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and avoid congestion.
Puyat shared, “Covid-19 drastically changed people’s relation with streets, public spaces, and public facilities. The pandemic illustrates the value for accessible open spaces abundant in Intramuros that allow movement within dense urban areas.”
Besides efforts to keep everyone safe from the coronavirus, visits to the place will continue to be engaging and informative as IA continues to preserve and maintain its centuriesold historical and cultural attractions, heritage and religious museums, and various essential activities such as work meetings, workshops, trainings, seminars, conventions, symposia, consumer trade shows or product launches, just to name a few.
The IA migrated its contact tracing application to staysafe.ph pursuant to the IATF Resolution 50. All gated and non-gated sites and destinations will mandatorily enforce usage with the No Registration, No Entry rule.
Private establishments within Intramuros are also required to utilize the staysafe.ph app.
To mitigate infection, the IA also procured all necessary equipment and supplies. Hands-free thermometers with automatic alcohol dispensers are stationed in strategic locations for public use. Fog atomization machines and disinfectant sprayers for all vehicles, commonly held surfaces, and used provision items are also in place.
Hygiene technicians and personnel who will conduct regular sanitation protocols are provided with personal protective equipment.
Other health and safety supplies are provided to employees and visitors for free.
Also being enforced are pre-validation task force that inspects compliance of all establishments with the minimum health and safety protocols pursuant to IATF issuances and the respective guidelines of the DoT and Department of Trade and Industry prior to the DoT’s actual validation.