ILOILO – The temporary closure of resorts and other tourism establishments earlier considered by the provincial government this summer won’t be happening, according to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
They are allowed to operate as long as they adhere to the 50 percent venue capacity limit because the province remains under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), said Provincial Administrator Suzette Mamon.
Defensor earlier eyed closing resorts and other tourism establishments to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
However, he acknowledged that owners and operators were strictly imposing proper protocols in their establishments, Mamon told Panay News.
The provincial government will continue implementing minimum health standards such as the wearing of facemasks and face shields, social distancing and hand sanitizing, among others.
Provincial Tourism Officer Gilbert Marin welcomed the development.
“Thankful man kami sa tourism sector kay si Gov. (Defensor) wala man nagpasaka sang order nga ipa-close ang resorts… business as usual except nga very particular gid lang kami subong for the carrying capacity which is gina-observe man strictly sang resorts naton,” Marin said.
He also explained how owners and operators are following minimum health standards.
Safety officers are also being deployed around their resorts, Marin added.
Earlier, the governor stressed he doesn’t want a repeat of what had happened during t h 2020 Christmas vacation.
Voronavirus infections spiked in January this year due to holiday gatherings.
“Basi matabo ‘na liwat sa Mayo…so the reason ngaa amo ‘na direction sang province,” said Defensor.
Before December 2020, the governor said, Iloilo had a few COVID-19 cases recorded daily. But during the holiday season, infections gradual rose until January 2021.
Defensor said this prompted him to issue executive orders prohibiting public gatherings in the province.
As of yesterday, Iloilo had 6,183 total confirmed coronavirus cases – 396 active, 5,612 recovered and 175 deaths./PN
