Tourists who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are no longer required to present a negative RT-PCR test when visiting Puerto Galera, a local official said Monday.
In a public briefing, Puerto Galera municipal administrator Carmela Datinguinoo said that those who have yet to get vaccinated or only received their first dose may take antigen tests when they arrive at the city terminal.
She said the antigen tests would be provided for free.
“Kapag po fully vaccinated na po ang aming mga turista, hindi na po kailangan ng RT-PCR bagkus po iyon pong mga first dose lang o iyong mga wala pong mga vaccine ay maaari rin pong magkaroon o mabigyan ng free antigen test po sa amin sa Batangas Grand Terminal kung saan ito po ay ibinibigay ng munispyo nang libre,” she said.
She assured that the resort town has sufficient funds for its free antigen testing, which may also be availed by residents.
Following the easing of travel restrictions, Datinguinoo said that tourist arrivals in their area have increased.
“Sa ngayon po ay nag-a-average po kami ng isang libo kada araw mula sa singkuwenta kada araw noong mga nakaraang mga buwan kung saan po hindi pa kami fully open for tourism,” she said.
Datinguinoo assured that health and safety protocols are strictly implemented and that tourism sites are only allowed to admit visitors up to 50% of their capacity.
“Sinusunod po ng Puerto Galera ang DOT protocols po pagdating sa mga tourism sites. So, 50% capacity pa rin po, ganoon din po sa mga resort na accredited po dapat. At iyon pong aming mga capacity when it comes po sa mga boats, sa mga habal-habal po kung saan nagkakaroon po sila ng snorkeling, lahat po iyon ay 50% capacity po,” she said.
“Ngayon po ay strict pa rin po ang pag-observe namin at pagpapa-implement ng mga health protocols po sa lahat ng aming mga ports, sa lahat ng aming mga tourism sites. Tinutulungan din po kami ng mga resorts para po ma-implement itong mga ito,” she added.
Marshals are also deployed in tourism sites to ensure compliance to protocols against COVID-19.
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