Travel Industry in the midst of Covid-19 Pandemic
The Covid-19 outbreak has brought a lot of unforeseen changes and has exceptionally impacted the travel industry. Now the question is, should we travel or not?
In the interest of everyone’s safety and health, the DOT (Department of Tourism) is ensuring that tourism stakeholders will follow the protocols and precautionary measures set by the WHO (World Health Organization) and the DOH (Department of Health).
Before you travel you have to ask yourself the following questions:
Have you been vaccinated against the COVID-19 Virus?
Getting the vaccine should be one of our priorities this 2021 because once you are vaccinated, you’re less likely to spread the virus.
Does your home or travel destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Even if you are fully vaccinated, your destination might still require you to have a negative swab test result. Each LGU has its own set of requirements and restrictions so make sure to follow and adhere to them.
Are you at risk of severe illness? Do you live with someone who’s at risk of severe illness?
Anyone can get covid-19, even those who got vaccinated but older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
STAY SAFE WHEN YOU TRAVEL
- You must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation, even if you are fully vaccinated. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose.
- If you haven’t had the COVID-19 vaccine, follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:
- Follow the social distancing protocol. Maintain the 2 meters distance between you and other people as much as possible.
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
- Limit your contact with frequently touched objects such as ball pens, handrails, elevator buttons, and kiosks.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer or alcohol if you happen to interact with those surfaces.
- Wear your facemasks.
- If you can, you should avoid eating or drinking on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.
TRAVELLING WITHIN NCR (plus)
If you want to get out of the city, destinations like Tagaytay City and Laguna are popular choices. However, only those hotels with a “Certificate of Authority to Operate as Staycation” from the tourism agency are allowed to operate for leisure purposes. If you’re planning to go on a staycation in a hotel outside NCR but within the GCQ bubble, make sure you have proof of booking just to be safe. There are several requirements as a vacationist or traveler that you have to submit and provide before you can actually travel. You can get the list of those requirements from your LGU and the city you are going to.
Keep in mind that restrictions can change rapidly depending on local conditions. It’s also important to consider the COVID-19 situation – such as the level of spread and presence of variants, which varies in each country. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.
DINING IN AL FRESCO RESTAURANT
If you are planning on enjoying some outdoor meals you have to take note that only 50% of the max restaurant capacity is being allowed. Several shopping malls in the city have converted their open-air spaces and balconies into alfresco dining areas.
REMEMBER SAFETY FIRST
Even the best-laid plans may need to be set aside when illness strikes. Stay home if any of your travel companions or you feel sick.
