DOT chief: ‘Happy to note’ no COVID-19 outbreak ‘because of tourism’ so far

FILE PHOTO: The famed sunset in Boracay is most striking at this time of the year but the lockdown in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces and a spike in COVID-19 cases on the island have led to massive cancellation of bookings. —JACK JARILLA

MANILA, Philippines — The resumption of tourism activities in certain areas across the country has not caused any COVID-19 outbreaks so far, according to Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Monday.

“So far naman, we are happy to note na walang outbreak because of tourism,” she said during the Laging Handa briefing.

Thus, the Department of Tourism chief reiterated reminders to local government units (LGUs) to strictly implement health and safety rules in order to keep tourism and travel in the country safe.

READ: DOT welcomes tourists, makes travel safer, more fun

“Pero pinapaalala natin sa mga LGUs (local government units) at sa kanilang mga hotels and resorts or ‘yung mga accommodation na lagi nilang ipapaalala sa kanilang mga bisita na dapat sumunod talaga sa health and safety protocols,” she added.

Romulo-Puyat likewise stressed the importance of vaccination to the public, including those in the tourism sector.

“The more people that are vaccinated, eventually baka hindi na natin kailangan ng RT-PCR swab… Pwede na mag-travel all around the country and more and more people are vaccinated while at the same time hindi tayo maga-alala na magkaka-COVID ang isang tao,” she said.