Subic Freeport eases restrictions on tourists

Restrictions on leisure travel to Subic Bay Freeport have been relaxed after the economic zone was placed under Alert Level 2. (Photo courtesy of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority)

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has loosened its travel restrictions, especially for vaccinated visitors, after it was placed under Alert Level 2, officials said.

In an advisory on Wednesday, the SBMA said intrazonal and interzonal travelers are now allowed to visit the free port regardless of age.

Intrazonal refers to the movement of people, goods and services between localities under the same community quarantine classification.

On the other hand, interzonal refers to the movement between provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities under different community quarantine classifications.

But the SBMA said visitors who are coming from a higher quarantine classification and alert level must be fully vaccinated. This covers those over 65 years old, those with comorbidities, and pregnant women.

Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or antigen test will no longer be required from the tourists except in a few establishments.

Dine-in services within the free port were now allowed at a 50-percent capacity and 70 percent for outdoor venue capacity.

Under Alert Level 2, the second least alert level in the new quarantine system, the SBMA has allowed more establishments to operate, such as barbershops, salons and those offering aesthetic or cosmetic services.