Another village in Boracay on lockdown

STRICT PROTOCOLS The few tourists on Boracay, as well as residents, have to follow strict health protocols amid the continued spike in COVID-19 cases that prompted a lockdown on parts of the island. —JACK JARILLA

ILOILO CITY—Another village on Boracay was placed on lockdown as the rise in the cases on the island famous for its white sand beaches and resorts entered its third week.

The municipal government of Malay in Aklan province, which has jurisdiction over Boracay, placed on a two-week lockdown Zone 1 of Barangay Yapak from April 15 to April 29.

The lockdown on Yapak came barely a day after the lifting of the lockdown in the entire Balabag village and two zones in Barangay Manoc-Manoc.

The total number of cases on the island has reached 169, of which 45 are still active, according to local health authorities.

Prohibited activities

But even with the loosening of restrictions in Balabag and Manoc-Manoc villages, several activities are still prohibited on the island.

The operation of bars remains suspended as well as live shows in restaurants and food parks.

Nonessential gatherings like parties and celebrations are also prohibited.

The curfew on the island remains from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The island, which is dependent on tourism, has been reeling from the cancellation of bookings from tourists after Metro Manila and the provinces of Laguna, Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal were placed on lockdown.

The local outbreak prompted more cancellations.

From April 1 to April 11, 746 tourists visited the island or a daily average of 67. This is significantly lower than the daily average of 700 to nearly 1,000 since December when tourist arrivals started to pick up.

Travel from Metro Manila and the four neighboring provinces as well as from Davao and Cebu cities to Western Visayas remain suspended.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases extended the travel ban to the region up to April 19.

—NESTOR BURGOS JR. INQ