MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) expressed support to the closure of an establishment in Boracay Island that conducted a Halloween party which allegedly violated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health protocols in late October.
In a statement, DOT slammed the “irresponsible” mass gathering at Casa de Arte in Sitio Cagban, Barangay Manoc-Manoc on Oct. 31.
Halloween partygoers reportedly did not observe physical distancing and violated the facemask protocol.
The party was held a month into Boracay’s reopening for local tourism.
“DOT strongly reminds the local government, stakeholders as well as guests of the island to strictly observe health and safety guidelines as determined by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) on emerging infectious diseases,” DOT said.
DOT also supports the recommendation of the Boracay inter-agency rehabilitation management group “to close down Casa de Arte, which apparently lacked a business permit and necessary clearances,” it added.
Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, for her part, said that while the establishment did not need the department’s accreditation to take in guests, it would be in the public’s best interest for local government units and businesses alike to make sure that the island’s reopening is safe.
“The jobs and livelihoods that were recently restored in these sites will be affected once again if an outbreak occurs due to the LGU’s negligence. We urge our LGUs to please take our health and safety protocols seriously,” said Puyat.
The famous tourist destination in Western Visayas has remained free of COVID-19 since March when it recorded one case due to a health worker contracting the virus./PN
