Lapu-Lapu City to test boat operators, tricycle drivers for COVID-19

In preparation for the relaunch of its tourism activities, Lapu-Lapu City will be swabbing all pump boat operators and tricycle drivers as a safety precaution against the coronavirus.

Lapu-Lapu Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan issued Executive Order (EO) No. 70, which lays down the guidelines and standards to be observed by tourism establishments in the city.

The EO requires the swabbing of all pump boat operators for island-hopping activities offered by the city’s hotels and resorts, and tricycle drivers who ferry tourists in Olango Island.

The swabs will be run through RT-PCR tests for COVID-19. Operators who test negative for the virus will be given “special IDs” by the Lapu-Lapu city government.

They will also be required to place a government-issued sticker on their pump boats or tricycles to signify that they have been given the clearance by the city government to operate.

In his EO, Chan also specified that while movement in and out of the city is allowed for tourism purposes, only Lapu-Lapu residents are allowed in the city’s public beaches. This includes public beaches in Olango Island.

Lapu-Lapu City is a first class, highly-urbanized city in Cebu Island whose economy is largely dependent on local and foreign tourism. The city is known for island-hopping and diving activities offered by its hotels and resorts, and bird-watching activities in Olango Island Group, a cluster of islands home to migratory birds.

The city is currently under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), the least restrictive quarantine status. Non-essential activities are allowed in areas under MGCQ.

Hotels and resorts in Lapu-Lapu City have been required to limit booking to 50% of their original capacity, following minimum health standards. Walk-ins are “discouraged” so that hotel and resort operators can make sure their respective bookings do not go past 50% of their original guest capacity.

Chan, in his Facebook page, updated that the city government has already begun inspecting hotels and resorts’ compliance to minimum health standards.

“Kung unsa kadako ang atong pagtan-aw sa kaluwasan ug kahimsog sa mga turista, mao usab kadako ang atong agresibo nga pagpangandam sa pagbalik sa turismo sa syudad. Gikan sa pag-inspect sa mga hotels hangtod sa pagpa-undergo og swab testing sa atong mga boatmen, ato kini gibuhat tanan kay gusto kita nga luwas ang atong mga turista sa COVID-19 ug mao man ang mga empleyado nga nagtrabaho sa tourism and hospitality industry,” he said in the post.

(The great importance we give to the safety and health of our tourists is the same level of importance we give in aggressively preparing for the return of the tourism industry in our city. From inspecting hotels to having the boatmen undergo swab testing, we are doing this because we want our tourists to be safe from COVID-19. We will do the same [swab test] for other employees working in the tourism and hospitality industry.)

As of Sunday, September 27, Lapu-Lapu City has a total of 2,356 coronavirus cases, with 255 active cases, 93 deaths, and 2,008 recoveries. (READ: Research group notes downward trend in PH COVID-19 cases) – Rappler.com