Jomalig in Quezon declared off-limits to outsiders due to COVID-19 scare

Jomalig’s beaches are temporarily off-limits to tourists and outsiders as fears of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) sweeps the globe. Photo from Jomalig Tourism Office

LUCENA CITY –– The island town of Jomalig in Quezon province has temporarily closed its pristine beaches to tourists and outsiders effective Wednesday due to coronavirus (COVID-19) scare, Vice Mayor Dahlia Manalo declared.

Memorandum Order No. 2020-001 issued March 11, explained that the temporary closure aims to “prevent serious disruptions of the functioning of the government and the community due to possible human-to-human transmission of the virus.”

The order, upon the recommendation of the local tourism council, barangay officials, educators, resort owners, and concerned citizens urged the public to observe “the temporary closing of Jomalig island and other tourist sites for both domestic and foreign tourists effective March 11.”

The closure order may be extended or lifted earlier, upon the recommendation of the municipal health officer.

The Philippine Coast Guard and local police were tasked to ensure that all public passenger boats, motorboats, and other tourist boats will comply with the order.

The order followed President Duterte’s Proclamation No. 922, declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Jomalig is located in the southeastern part of the Polilio island group in northern Quezon facing the Pacific Ocean.

It is the smallest and farthest island municipality of the province and can be reached by four to six hours boat ride from the port of Real town. It is known for its unspoiled beaches and turquoise waters.

Edited by Lzb