Boracay Island placed under community quarantine

By Emme Rose Santiagudo

The municipality of Malay, Aklan, home to the world-famous Boracay Island, has been placed under general community quarantine starting Thursday in a move to prevent the entry of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Acting Mayor Floribal S. Bautista issued Executive Order (EO) No. 14 on Wednesday declaring a general community quarantine in the town and at the same time imposing a curfew.

All persons regardless of origin will be prohibited from entering the town either by land or by sea.

Residents of Malay will be allowed to enter the town provided that they show proof of residency, working credentials, and other necessary company and government IDs.

Also exempted from the travel restrictions are persons involved in the delivery of goods and commodities; medical doctors; national government officials and employees; and returning municipal and barangay officials.

In extreme cases relating to health, safety, security, and commerce, Bautista said he will authorize the entry to Malay provided that an authorization will be secured.

The authorization will be issued by the office of Bautista through a written consent.

“The Municipal Mayor may authorize other persons to enter Malay in extreme cases through a written consent issued by the Office of the Local Chief Executive provided that they shall undergo the required medical protocols,” the order said.

Malay town will also impose a curfew from 10 pm to 5 am to mitigate the unregulated social gathering during night-time.

The order also prohibited all non-essential work-related gatherings such as movie screenings, concerts, parties, sporting events, entertainment activities and community assemblies.

As of Wednesday, the local government of Malay said that the town remains free from COVID-19.

However, travel restrictions and protocols imposed amid the COVID-19 outbreak has taken a toll on the bustling tourism activity in Boracay Island with the 40 percent drop in tourist arrivals.

From the 172,695 tourists visiting the white-sand beach in January, it went down to 103,834 in February.