The Bataan Provincial Task Force Against COVID-19, led by its Chairman, Gov. Albert Garcia, signed three new Resolutions last Thursday, Nov. 26, respectively pertaining to the opening of hotels and resorts, imposition of modified curfew, and allowing essential gatherings in the province of Bataan in preparation for the inevitable increase in activities during the holiday season as the province transitions into the new normal.
Resolution No. 28 aims to “establish appropriate guidelines and protocols on the operations of hotels, resorts, and other accommodation establishments to harmonize the government’s efforts in reviving the tourism industry of the province with the ongoing campaign against COVID 19.”
Under this Resolution, said establishments need to secure a certificate of authority to operate from the Department of Tourism (DOT) before they can accept tourists from inside and outside Bataan. They will also be responsible to give information to the city or municipal police station regarding the arriving guests for proper border control documentation.
All tourists, on the other hand, need to present a medical certificate issued by the Rural Health Unit and travel pass from the barangay where they reside, as well as a valid ID to prove their identity. Non-Bataan residents will need to present additional requirements: QR Code to facilitate entry at the border and confirmation voucher of the pre-arranged visit to the resort or hotel. Only non-resident tourists who plan to stay in Bataan overnight or more are required to present a negative RT-PCR Test valid at least two days before their arrival.
Resolution No. 29 “modifies the general curfew hours in the province to 10 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. from Dec. 16-31 in consideration of the holiday season.” This was borne out of a consultation with the mayors of the different municipalities and city of the province of Bataan to allow Bataenos to have more time to celebrate Christmas.
Exempted from the curfew are individuals working in permitted industries and businesses such as medical and security services, BPOs, and export-oriented industries.
On Jan. 1, 2021, curfew will revert back to the original schedule of 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. as stipulated under the earlier Resolution No. 12 that took effect in July.
Resolution No. 30, on the other hand, allows essential gatherings for as long as there will be provision for health and safety guidelines and standards which will be the responsibility of the office or the organizers of the gathering. “This is part of the careful transition to the new normal and in consideration of the downward trend of COVID cases in the province.”
Under this Resolution, essential gatherings are work-related meetings and conferences, public hearings, government meetings and conferences, and non-contact sports gatherings.
While reiterating the importance of still being vigilant against Coronavirus by observing minimum heath protocols at all times, Gov. Garcia said, “all these guidelines are being put in place to serve the people of Bataan and to guide all of us as we face the inevitability of the new normal.”
“Every single day may present a different challenge in this pandemic because we still have a long way to go, but I am confident that our cooperation and unity can bring us to a good place where we can learn to live with COVID-19 while being able to take care of our families’ needs. It is my hope that everyone will get to celebrate Christmas safely,”
