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ILOILO CITY – The elegant Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa has begun disinfecting its facilities after at least 15 of its staff tested positive for the new coronavirus.
In a statement issued by Shangri-la Boracay dated January 23, the resort management said it will not accept new guests from January 22 to 28 after “a small number of colleagues have been diagnosed with COVID-19.”
“During this time, we will carry out a more thorough cleaning and disinfection of the complex. This is in addition to the already rigorous hygiene and sanitation protocols being implemented on the property, ”according to the statement.
He said the complex “fully meets the guidelines provided by local authorities regarding next steps after our colleagues undergo (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) testing.”
The statement did not mention how many employees at the complex were infected, but sources told INQUIRER that at least 15 tested positive for the new coronavirus with the results of several others pending publication.
Shangri-la Boracay said those infected were isolated according to health guidelines.
“We can confirm that these colleagues were asymptomatic and did not show any external symptoms or report feeling unwell on the days they were on duty. Contact tracing has been done extensively and, as a precautionary measure, close contacts of affected colleagues have also been asked to self-isolate until further notice, ”according to the statement.
He said all those affected will be assisted and will be provided with alternative arrangements.
“We remain in close contact with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and all relevant authorities and will continue to act in the best interest of all our guests and colleagues,” he said.
The sprawling resort located at Barangay Yapak is among the best accommodation establishments on the island.
A source told INQUIRER that more than 20 resort guests were transferred to another hotel in Boracay, while incoming guests who have already booked accommodations have been given the option of staying at another hotel, rescheduling their arrival, or obtaining a refund.
Without identifying the establishment, the Department of Tourism (DOT) issued a generic statement dated January 23, encouraging the “timely treatment of affected workers and supports the temporary closure of establishments affected by general disinfection procedures as part of the protocols of Health and security”.
He said the agency’s Boracay office “will ensure the safe and convenient relocation of guests to other isolation facilities or establishments, should there be any close contact with affected health workers.”
“All workers and guests of DOT-accredited tourism companies on the island of Boracay have an obligation to practice responsible tourism to effectively manage the COVID situation in the area. Warnings, suspension or closure await those who violate the established rules and regulations, ”according to the statement issued by the DOT Office of Public Affairs and Defense.
The Department of Tourism previously allocated P10 million through the Tourism Promotion Board for the free trial of Boracay tourism workers.
The island of Boracay was reopened to tourists from Western Visayas as of June 16 and from other areas as of October 1.
Tourists bound for Boracay must have a negative RT-PCR test result before they are allowed to enter the island.
In December, tourist arrivals soared to 15,307, the highest since tourist acceptance resumed.
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