Boracay retains strict health protocols for travelers

Strict health protocols for arriving tourists in Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan will remain despite the new COVID-19 protocols imposed by the national inter-agency task force for domestic travel.

The local government unit (LGU) of Malay clarified in its advisory that tourists coming to the island will still be required to secure a negative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test within 72 hours prior to their arrival.

Travelers must also have confirmed booking with a Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited hotel.

“Please be informed that as of the moment, there will be no changes on the requirements for incoming local tourists to Boracay Island. Negative RT-PCR with 72-hour validity and confirmed booking with DOT-accredited hotel is still required,” the advisory said.

In a radio interview, Malay town Mayor Frolibar Bautista said there are no changes in the said requirements but other proposals for the mode of testing are still awaiting approval.

Bautista said mayors of the province of Aklan all agreed to retain the RT-PCR as part of the requirements for Boracay-bound tourists.

“A proposal was submitted to the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force for the use of saliva test. We are still waiting for the approval,” he said.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Western Visayas has pushed for the use of saliva testing as an alternative testing mode to RT-PCR for Boracay-bound tourists.

The local business sector said that the saliva test is cheaper, faster, and easier to administer compared to the regular RT-PCR test and may encourage more tourists to come to the island.

“This will ensure the timely and accurate COVID testing for both tourists and other stakeholders alike, thus promoting a safer, healthier and better environment that would further boost and fast track the economic recovery of the Island,” PCCI said.

The strict measures have encouraged tourists to resort to fake RT-PCR tests in order to enter the island.

Bautista warned that tourists with fake RT-PCR results will be required to undergo quarantine and face charges filed by the authorities. Individuals may also be declared as persona non grata.