ILOILO – Tourism activities closed once again in the municipality of Igbaras, Iloilo after several Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases were detected.
Mayor Jaime Esmeralda issued Executive Order (EO) Number 04- 18, for the “temporary closing of tourism activities in the Municipality of Igbaras, Iloilo.”
In the EO, it stated that a COVID-19 positive individual died in Barangay Igtalongon, Kiput, on March 26.
“The origin or source of infection of our recent mortality is still unknown despite the thorough contact tracing done by our medical frontliners,” the EO continued.
Two additional cases were also found after further testing.
“Allowing guests and visitors to visit our tourist destinations and inland resorts may endanger their live or vice versa considering that cases of SARS-COVID 19 are unrelenting in other areas outside this municipality.”
The municipality had just reopened on April 22 after a previous lockdown.
Tourism activities after the previous lockdown included:
Trekking, hiking, adventure and other tourism related activities, provided that tourists must register at the Tourism Assistance Center and shall strictly observe minimum health protocols and other pertinent requirements;
Inland resorts/ accommodation establishments, and eco-tourism sites are allowed to cater only 30% of their capacity. Provided that they strictly observe minimum health standard protocol and provide floor mats soaked in disinfection solution and alcohol at their entrance. Guest/Visitors must register and their body temperature be checked. Those with influenza like illnesses such as fever, cough, body malaise, sore throat shall be prohibited to enter the venue;
Eco- Tourism sites are limited with the following number of tourists: Nadsadjan Falls- 50 tourists/day; Mr. Napulak- 75 tourists/day; Brgy. Igcabubao – 75 tourists/day/ destination; other destinations – 50 tourist /day.
Ninety (90) total confirmed cases have been confirmed in Igbaras as of Saturday, May 1, with nine still active, 78 recovered, and three dead./PN
