The province of Cebu will drop all forms of COVID-19 test requirements for tourists, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said, despite the rising number of infections on the island. An executive order on the matter is due out Monday.
Garcia said the province would only require a "valid medical certificate issued by any doctor" and proof of pre-booked accommodation.
Once adopted, Cebu would be the first tourist spot in the Philippines to drop the COVID-19 test requirement for visitors.
“We will make it easier for all tourists to come into the province of Cebu,” she said.
The governor made the remark as she rejected calls to place Cebu under a stricter quarantine following the discovery of two virus mutations in the province.
"Don't mess with us. We can take care of ourselves," she said.
ALSO READ:
Cebu 'Variant of Concern': What We Know So Far
New COVID 'Variant of Concern' Detected in Cebu, Says DOH
Garcia said tour operators in Cebu and airlines would come up with tourism packages.
"They will be coming up with packages -- four days, three nights -- to spend here in Cebu for a very affordable amount," she said.
Since the reopening of tourist spots in the country, local government units have required tourists to present a negative COVID-19 test result as part of the "new normal" in travel adopted internationally too.
MORE ON TRAVEL:
Do Local Tourist Spots Accept Saliva Test Results? Bohol Does
