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What are the COVID-19 Rules for Island, Beach Trips?

Vacation the safe way.
by Arianne Merez
Nov 6, 2020
Photo/s: NENNNN/WIKIMEDIA
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Top beach and island destinations in the Philippines have started opening up to tourists with safety protocols in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Below are the guidelines of the Department of Tourism for beach and island travel:

FOR TOURISTS

1. Prior booking is required for all guests who intend to stay for at least an overnight stay in the beach or island destination.

2. A directory of DOT-Accredited accommodation establishments shall be available at the port for reference.

3. Walk-in guests are not allowed.

4. Accommodation establishments must use online/contactless reservation and payment methods.

5. Mandatory screening will be done at the port of entry. This includes body temperature checking, and a health declaration form.

6. Guests must be provided with appropriate information on the rules and regulations in the island or beach destination.

UPON ARRIVAL IN THE ISLAND

1. Names of guests with confirmed bookings are available at the port of entry.

2. Guests without confirmed bookings but are part of a day tour or can present an outbound or return ticket are allowed entry.

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3. No face mask, no entry policy.

4. Proper physical distancing is strictly observed.

5. Mabuhay Gesture and other forms of contactless greeting are highly encouraged.

MORE ON TOURISM AND TRAVEL:

Philippines is Asia's Leading Beach, Diving Destination

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SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR PERSONNEL

1. All personnel must use the proper PPE such as face masks and/or face shields and observe physical distancing at all times. Gloves must be used for assistance requiring physical contact.

2. Frequent hand washing and respiratory etiquette is strictly observed.

3. Strategic entry and exit points may be provided to properly monitor the guests entering and exiting the Island Destination.

PUBLIC AREAS

Beach

1. Reminder signs are installed in strategic locations.

2. Beach marshalls will ensure that guests observe physical distancing. The use of floor markers, flags, or other devices is highly encouraged.

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3. Lifeguards should be available during swimming hours.

4. Concessions, shops, peddlers, ambulant vendors, and food vending are strictly prohibited. Chairs, canopies, grills, and other temporary ancillary structures are not allowed.

5. Mass gathering, any group events, and other beach activities must comply with national and local government unit issuances.

6. Sanitation and handwashing stations must be installed in strategic locations.

7. High-touch surfaces must be sanitatized and disinfectied frequently.

8. Trash bins must be available and accessible. A separate trash bin for used PPE must be provided.

Public Restrooms

1. Restrooms should adhere to the ASEAN Public Toilet Standards.

2. Restrooms should be operational at all times and must be cleaned and sanitized every after two hours or as necessary.

3. Clean water, hand soap, 70% solution alcohol or alcohol-based sanitizers, and tissue paper or paper towels must be available.

4. Handwashing and toilet flushing facilities must be sanitized frequently.

5. Cleaning and sanitation of shower and showerheads must be done regularly

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6. Trash bins must be cleaned and sanitized every after disposal of trash

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

1. Non-contact sports and exercise are allowed provided that Minimum Public Health Standards are observed.

2. Biking may be allowed if bike paths are available.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE-RELATED POLICIES

1. An emergency preparedness plan should be available.

2. There must be access to at least one medical facility on the island for emergency cases.

3. A well-trained and equipped emergency response team should be available to provide emergency assistance whenever necessary.

4. A holding area should be designated for the symptomatic guests while waiting for trained personnel to transport him/her to the nearest medical facility.

5. Constant coordination between the emergency response team and the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team is mandatory in handling health emergency incidents.

6. All related issuances from the Department of Health (DOH) on the proper handling of patients and the implementation of Minimum Public Health Standards should be observed at all times.

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