The world-famous Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan has reopened to tourists October 1, 2020 in the midst of an ongoing pandemic.
There were around 26 to 35 guests who arrived in the island with seven (7) coming directly from Manila.
The Dept. of Tourism Region VI has posted a reminder and guide for domestic tourist to follow over its Facebook page September 29, 2020.
The advisory underscored the need for Boracay-bound travelers to have an RT-PCR test from an accredited laboratory.
The travelers must have underwent a swab test within 48 hours before the travel and carry the result upon arrival in Boracay wherein they will be welcomed by the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) to check a negative RT-PCR test result.
The advisory also reminded travelers of additional pre-travel requirements such as a confirmed booking from a DOT – accredited establishment and a quick response (QR) Code.
The QR Code will show that they have complied with Aklan Provincial Government’s Online Health Declaration which is accessible on its website.
The QR Code is vital for travelers for it serves as a contact tracing mechanism. DOT-VI in fact urged travelers to carry the QR Code at all times and by having a printed copy in case a digital copy could not be saved on mobile phone for it will required in accessing services while they are within the island.
In an interview over ANC, tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo -Puyat said that he anticipates an influx of travelers to Boracay on November 1 – All Saint’s Day Holiday. It’s better that the island is gradually being opened with regulated visitors to test its health protocol system.
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*Photo credits: All photos used in the article is by Randy Javier Fadrigo.