DOT: Staycations not allowed within ECQ areas

MANILA, Philippines — No staycations are allowed in Metro Manila and the four provinces placed under the strictest community quarantine, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Sunday.

Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, the government placed Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) starting March 29 until April 4.

In a statement, the DOT said it has informed accommodation establishments the suspension of staycations in the aforementioned areas.

“Guests who are already billeted in these establishments by midnight on Sunday may continue to stay for the duration of their original booking. However, no new bookings will be allowed for the week,” the DOT noted.

The DOT said the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association assured them that guests with reservations within the duration of ECQ will be allowed to rebook without penalty.

Only those that serve as isolation or quarantine facilities are allowed to operate during the week-long ECQ.

“The DOT advised these accredited establishments to strictly enforce the minimum health and safety guidelines and quarantine protocols or face sanctions which include fines, suspension and the cancellation of accreditation,” the DOT warned.

Staycations were initially allowed when Metro Manila and the four provinces were placed in a general community quarantine (GCQ) bubble.

JE