Hotels authorized to offer staycations may fully operate, forego guests’ COVID-19 test results

(File Photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Hotels accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to offer staycations are now allowed to fully operate and forego COVID-19 test results as a prerequisite for accommodation, Malacañang said Friday.

In a statement, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque noted that these establishments must have a certificate of authority to operate for a staycation (CAOS) from the DOT.

Establishments must also only accommodate guests who are aged 18 to 65.

In a previous statement, the DOT said there are only 13 hotels that have CAOS and are authorized to offer staycations.

These are the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Okada Manila Hotel, Shangri-la at the Fort, Nobu Hotel, Joy Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila, EDSA Shangri-la Manila, Solaire Resort, Hyatt Regency and Nuwa Hotel of City of Dreams, The Peninsula Manila, Aruga by Rockwell, Sheraton Manila Hotel, and Hilton Manila.

Meanwhile, accommodation establishments without CAOS located in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) may only accommodate guests for “leisure purposes for up to 30 percent of their venue capacity.”

According to the latest resolution issued by the COVID-19 task force, guests of these establishments must come from the same household.

Local government units with jurisdiction over these establishments must also strictly monitor their compliance with minimum public health standards.

/MUF