Good news! The paradise island of Boracay in Malay town, Aklan has reopened its beach swimming area with new safety guidelines following health protocols of the coronavirus pandemic.
Acting Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista said six of the eight designated swimming areas in world-famous Boracay have started to accept tourists.
“We will open two more this week. We have put red flags on non-swimming areas,” the Malay Mayor said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on June 1, 2020. Boracay has been under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) since Monday.
The Department of Tourism has also released the Health and Safety Guidelines Governing the Operations of Accommodation Establishments under the New Normal for enforcement in tourist areas.
The tourism-related establishments in Boracay will need to pass the inspection of the Malay’s composite team before restarting operations.
The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malay, Aklan has also allowed some activities upon the observance of the guidelines of DOT and LGU such as:
- Beach viewing and Sun-bathing – allowed at the intervals of 200-meter swimming areas
- Water sports activity (Paraw Sailing) – still subject to health protocols
“This is to ensure that crowding will be avoided in one space,” Bautista said.
The LGU has also put up lifeguard stations assigned to screen tourists upon entering swimming areas.
“Swimmers must be subjected to temperature checking upon entry. They will also have to register their names, addresses, and contact numbers before they will be allowed at the beach,” Bautista added.
Three of the assigned swimming areas are located at Station 1, two each at stations 2 and 3, and one at Yapak village.
Swimming areas are open from 6 am to 6 pm.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) together with the local officials have been deployed to strictly implement the health protocols.
Boracay beaches have been voted among the Top Beaches in Asia by the 2020 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Awards.
In January, the longest bridge in Western Visayas reopened in Aklan and cut travel time to Boracay Island.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to the people of Boracay for ensuring health and safety as it reopens to visitors.
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