DOT asks Eastern Visayas gov’ts to continue health protocols amid decline in COVID-19 cases

TACLOBAN CITY—Despite the decline in the daily COVID-19 cases in Eastern Visayas, the Department of Tourism (DOT) had asked its partners to continue observing the health protocols strictly.

The decreasing cases of COVID-19 have prompted several local governments to slowly open up their tourist destinations, with tourism-related establishments gearing up for the possible influx of clients.

While the trend is a welcome development, this should be treated with caution, said DOT regional director Karina Rosa Tiopes.

“Based on recent data, the cases of COVID-19 in Eastern Visayas are on a decline. This is good news. However, it does not mean that we can now let our guard down and do just the usual full blast operation of our tourism facilities, services, and sites,” she said.

“We still need to be extra cautious. We need to be well informed. We need to continue following health and safety protocols. We aim to have a responsible tourism restart for Eastern Visayas,” she added.

The Department of Health (DOH) in the region had confirmed the decline in daily cases in the last four weeks.

It cited the continued rollout of the vaccines among local governments as the main reason for the drop in cases.

As of Oct. 21, at least 863,192 people across the region have been inoculated. Of the number, 593,217 have been vaccinated fully.

lzb