We know that being isolated at home for almost the entire year has been frustrating, and we understand the itch to go on a vacation for some semblance of normalcy. Although we don’t really advise going out unless it’s necessary, some cities and towns have allowed non-residents to visit as long as they follow tourist guidelines set by local authorities.
These guidelines are set as a necessary safety precaution, which is why one should never attempt to bypass them. Sadly, we have a fresh reminder about this from this case involving a group of tourists found to have falsified COVID-19 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests to enter Boracay.
According to local authorities, five out of the six tourists in the group submitted falsified negative test results. These documents were based on the genuine results of someone in the group who took an RT-PCR test. The group entered the island on Dec. 5 and was brought to Kalibo’s provincial quarantine center from their hotel on Dec. 7 after being busted.
The tourists were made to take an actual RT-PRC test, whose results came out negative last Saturday, according to Aklan provincial administrator Selwyn Ibarreta.
Despite this, they will be facing criminal complaints to be filed in the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office today. According to Malay, Aklan chief Police Lt. Col. Jonathan Pablito, all six tourists will be charged with falsification of documents and the violation of Republic Act No. 11332, or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.
As per Aklan’s guidelines, tourists must submit a negative RT-PCR test result released within 72 hours before their trip. Ibarreta said that Aklan cross-checks tests submitted by tourists with the laboratories, in line with the local government’s strict implementation of quarantine measures.
The case serves as a crucial reminder to all tourists out there about the importance of following quarantine guidelines. And as we’ve all been pleading until a vaccine becomes commercially available: Please stay at home unless it’s really necessary.
Header photo courtesy of Malay Municipal Tourism Office – Aklan Facebook page
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