Rapid test required of ‘staycationers’

Persons who want to take “staycations” in hotels and other accommodation establishments in areas under general community quarantine must present results of rapid antigen tests showing they are negative of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“A staycation guest shall be required to present a negative result from a rapid antigen test conducted on the same day of check-in,” said the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) amended guidelines for staycations dated Sept. 28.

Rapid antigen tests detect specific proteins found in the virus that causes COVID-19; their presence implies a current viral infection. The tests are administered using nasopharyngeal or nasal swabs and the results are provided in 15 to 30 minutes.

DOT-accredited establishments that are not currently being used as quarantine or isolation facilities may admit “staycationers.” These were those that were given four-or five-star ratings by the DOT or were granted with a certificate of authority to operate.

Individuals of all ages, except those with comorbidities or are currently pregnant, are permitted to go on staycations.

Guests may go on staycations in accommodation establishments located in the same province as their residence. For the purposes of the guidelines, Metro Manila shall be considered a province.

The guidelines also restrict the number of persons allowed in a room at a given time. Rooms measuring up to 20 square meters can be occupied by up to two persons from the same household, provided they present proof of residency such as a government or company ID with a residential address.

Cashless methods of payment, online transactions and other options for contactless transactions that promote minimal physical contact is mandatory, according to the guidelines.

Other facilities allowed

The DOT also allows the operations of ancillary facilities in accommodation establishments, such as restaurants and other food and beverage outlets, excluding bars, gyms and swimming pools.

The department encouraged hotel associations, travel agencies and tour operators “to develop ‘staycation packages’ that are fit to the present market demands and conditions.”

The staycation packages must adhere to the existing health and safety guidelines of the DOT and must be submitted to the DOT regional office for monitoring purposes.

Accommodation establishments catering to staycationing guests are also required to keep a record of occupancy data and submit it every 10th of the month to the regional office and the local tourism office for data analysis, subject to rules on data privacy.