Metro Manila will shift to Alert Level 4 starting Sept. 16, after nearly a month and a half of lockdown. For those looking for a break while staying safe from the Delta variant, the Department of Tourism answered some common questions.
Alert Level 4 is similar to MECQ, the second strictest quarantine under the previous classification system. However, some services are allowed to reopen at limited capacities and to fully vaccinated people only.
Here's what Tourism Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in official statements and on ANC.
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Is staycation allowed in Metro Manila?
Staycation is prohibited in Metro Manila under Alert Level 4, regardless of vaccination status, she said.
I'm from NCR. Can I travel outside the region for leisure?
Inter- and intrazonal travel are allowed, Puyat said. This means you can go to Boracay or Siargao if those two destinations allow it.
"As long as the tourist destination is under GCQ or MGCQ and if they are acepting tourists then they can leave," she said.
Best to check first with the local government unit if it allows entry of tourists from NCR before traveling or booking arrangements
Are tourist destinations open?
Outdoor tourist attractions are allowed to open, she said, while indoor tourist attactions are still prohibited.
Intramuros, for example, will cater to tourists starting Sept. 16, day 1 of the implementation of Alert Level 4.
Take note of age restrictions before going out, she reminded the public.
There's still the Delta variant threat. Are these establishments safe to visit?
Yes, said Puyat. Almost everyone in the tourism industry in Metro Manila has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“The good news is that 99% of tourism workers employed in hotels across Metro Manila have been vaccinated. All in all, tourism workers in NCR, including those in DOT-accredited restaurants recorded a 94% vaccination rate. This is an added assurance, not only to the safety of our guests, but our tourism workers as well," Puyat said in a statement.
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Can senior citizens, kids go out?
Only those aged 18 to 65 are allowed to go out.
Those with immunodeficiencies, comorbidities and other health risks, minors or older than aged 65, and pregnant women will only be allowed to go out for essentials or work in permitted industries.
Is dine-in allowed?
Indoor, outdoor, and al fresco dining in DOT-accredited hotels and restaurants are allowed under Alert Level 4, Puyat told ANC.
Fully-vaccinated individuals are allowed to dine indoors at 10% capacity. Those who will dine in will be asked to present proof of vaccination so don't forget your vaccination cards.
A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing the required shots -- two for Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and Sputnik V and one for J&J, the only single-dose vaccine available locally.
Outdoor dining and al fresco dining are also allowed at 30% capacity for both the vaccinated and unvaccinated.