The world-famous island of Boracay has re-opened its shores on Monday, June 1, for swimming.
However, not everyone is allowed in the waters just yet.
The island town has reopened its beach as it eased into modified general community quarantine (MGCQ). However, only residents of Aklan are allowed to do so.
WhenInManila.com talked to Fritz Mendez, a bank teller assigned in Boracay, about the current situation of the re-opening of Boracay. He shared with us before the stunning images of Boracay during the lockdown.
He told us that the beach is open to local tourists only (residents of Aklan) and swimming is allowed from 6 AM to 6 PM only.
In order to be allowed to swim, one must register at a lifeguard station. There are several assigned swimming areas as of the moment and three can be found in Station 1, two each at stations 2 and 3, and one at Yapak village.
People who live outside of Aklan cannot access the beach just yet.
Social distancing and checking of temperature are strictly enforced, Mendez added.
Even if the beach is already open at MGCQ, there is still curfew in the island between 9 PM and 5 AM.
Mendez also mentioned that although cafes and restaurants are opened and are allowed to cater up to 50% of their capacity, bars are still closed.
The Philippine National Police and local officials have been deployed to make sure that guidelines are followed, acting Malay mayor Frolibar Bautista said.
Water sports activities like paraw sailing will also be allowed by the local government but also subject to health protocols.
Bautista said accommodation establishments, meanwhile, need to apply before the Department of Tourism 6 to comply with the guidelines on operation under community quarantine.
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