The acting mayor of Malay, Aklan, reiterated that tourists visiting Boracay beaches must wear a face mask, Thursday.
“Sa labas, sa beach area, mayroon dapat. You have to wear face mask. Kung maligo, puwede naman (alisin) ‘yun but as long as you’re in [a] public area, dapat may face mask talaga,” Bautista said in a television interview on ANC.
There are nine designated swimming areas in Boracay beaches where security personnel of the locality was assigned to ensure that physical distancing is strictly observed.
“Mayroon tayong tao diyan, mayroong lifeguard, mayroon tayong beach guard… Lahat ng naliligo sa area na ‘yan, nililista saka tinitingnan… mayroon tayong thermal scanner saka ‘yung cellphone number just for contact tracing purposes,” Bautista said.
The mayor added drinking alcoholic beverages is still prohibited in public areas.
“Bawal ‘yan, pagkain saka inuman sa 30 meters from the shoreline. Dapat talaga sa establishment, bawal doon sa open areas,” Bautista said.
He added massages and spas in Boracay are still banned from operating as these services would facilitate close contact with customers, which is crucial in COVID-19 transmission.
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Face mask required for tourists visiting Boracay beaches
“Wala muna, hanggang di tayo nakakita ng guidelines… I mean ‘yung close contact kasi napakadelikado,” Bautista said.
For the water activities such as island hopping and diving, the mayor said they are allowed provided that minimum health standards would be observed.
“‘Yung water activities natin, ang scuba diving, puwede namang may physical distancing as long na ‘yung disinfection requirements ma-comply din nila,” he said.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año assured the public that Boracay Island is “well-prepared” to be welcome all tourists nationwide by October 1.
Mayor Bautista said a total of 199 hotels or 4,416 rooms resumed operations in Boracay.
“Mayroon tayong 199 as of yesterday na mayroon ng certificate of authority to operate and then 50% ang capacity niyan. Tingnan lang natin, gradual pa naman kasi ang opening kung gaano ba karami ang papasok sa Boracay hotels,” he said.
“Lahat ng accommodation establishments ay nainspect na ng Department of Tourism, ‘yung inspection team nila… Lahat ng mayroong CAO, nag-comply ‘yan,” he added.