SWIMMING pools and resorts in the mining town of Itogon, Benguet re-opened but for residents only.
Mayor Victorio Palangdan of Itogon issued Executive Order 17 series of 2020 for the reopening of resorts and swimming pools amid the community quarantine.
The EO, however, highlights the basic health protocols and procedures that people should follow.
Pools and resort owners earlier forwarded a proposal to the local government unit for their business operations to resume.
The Tourism Office of Itogon said due to the community quarantine since March, the tourism and hospitality industry suffered and led to the decline of destinations in the municipality and the rest of the country.
“This is an opportunity for the Tourism Destination Management and local government unit of Itogon to reflect in sustaining our tourism industry. Still, our main concern is the most valuable persons from the disease and ensure the health and safety of our local tourist/ workers in tourism sites/destinations and service providers, such as Tour Guides and Instructors,” the proposal stated.
Palangdan, who also serves as president of the League of Mayors in Benguet, said the order to reopen the pools and resorts is effective immediately and only within the duration of the modified general community quarantine.
The mayor said basic health protocols must be observed such as the installation of plastic shields at the cashier, counter, and store entrance; installation of sanitizing equipment, provide log-book at the entrance, implement one-meter physical distancing inside the resort, limit the use of steam baths to two to four persons at a time.
The resort and pool owners must observe 50 percent operational capacity, they must also follow operating hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., disallow peddlers, swimming accessories such as floaters, night swimming, and alcoholic beverages.
Business owners must ensure videoke rentals will be a contract basis only, coordinate with Municipal Health Services Office for contract tracing when necessary, and practice precautionary measures in line with the prevention of the spread of Covid-19.
Before entering resorts and pools, barangay certificate of residency and health declaration form is required by pool and resort owners.
The order cited the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Amended Guidelines as of July 3 wherein Category IV industries, including pools and resorts and all other establishments, are now allowed to operate at a maximum of 50 percent operational capacity and mandated observance of public health standards.
Barangay Poblacion in Itogon is known for its 1300 level swimming pools and resorts.
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