Boracay Will Soon Ban Swab Test Fakers, Mayor Says
Those caught faking their RT-PCR or swab test will be declared persona non-grata and banned from entering Boracay, the town mayor said, as more tourists are caught lying about their COVID status.
Three tourists were blocked from entering the island earlier this week after they were found to have fake test documents. They were moved to Kalibo in mainland Panay Island for the mandatory 14-day quarantine, said acting Malay Mayor Floribar Bautista.
The Malay town council is working on a resolution to declare swab test fakers as persona non-grata. "Di na siya makakapasok ng Boracay, wala na yan," Bautista told Teleradyo.
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As an added security measure, Bautista said Boracay hotels could soon be asked to verify the authenticity of RT-PCR results even before bookings are confirmed.
Tourist arrivals are trickling at around 400 per day, making it difficult for businesses on the island, he said.
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