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DOT monitors hotel compliance to IATF alert level system

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

September 23, 2021, 7:49 pm

<p><em>(File photo)</em></p>

(File photo)

MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) said it will continue to monitor the compliance of Metro Manila's accommodation establishments to the national government's pilot alert level system in the region.

"Travelers want a higher level of safety when they visit our destinations and experience its amenities. We are confident that our DOT-accredited hotels and resorts will comply with the newly-issued operational guidelines under the Alert Levels System to keep everyone safe," Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Thursday.

In an advisory dated September 15, the DOT advised all hotels and resorts that only indoor/alfresco dine-in services, outdoor tourist attractions, and some personal care services are allowed under Alert Level 4.

The new alert system, which intends to replace the existing Community Quarantine Classification, has five alert levels—five being the strictest and one as the most lenient.

The pilot run of the experimental scheme places the entire National Capital Region on Alert Level 4 from September 16 to 30, 2021.

Under the said status, intrazonal and interzonal leisure travel will be allowed for all individuals except for those who are below 18 years old and above 65 years old, pregnant, or with immunodeficiencies, comorbidities, and other health risks.

Outdoor tourist attractions such as parks, plazas, public gardens, and scenic viewpoints or overlooks are allowed to operate at 30 percent capacity.

Indoor barbershops, salons, and nail spas inside accommodation establishments are allowed at 10 percent indoor capacity for vaccinated and 30 percent outdoor regardless of vaccination status.

Staycation and social events, on the other hand, are prohibited under the current alert level but DOT said these may resume as soon as Metro Manila shifts to Alert Level 3.

Meanwhile, she urged the public to follow the new guidelines that will be implemented by the hotels.

She added that while leisure travel for some NCR residents has been allowed, only stopovers for eating and other personal necessities but not side trips to other tourism destinations are permitted.

"While the new guidelines enable tourism to resume to some extent, minimum health standards and physical distancing measures must still be strictly observed," she said. (PNA)

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