Historical sites and museums in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus will soon reopen their doors to visitors in a limited capacity, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat said today (June 11).
The reopening, approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), limits these tourism sites to 20% venue capacity, and they are subject to DOT health and safety restrictions and other restrictions of the relevant local government unit. Guided tours remain prohibited.
“Our historical sites and museums in the NCR Plus Area may welcome visitors following the easing of quarantine restrictions,” the tourism chief said.
“This is part of our efforts to restart tourism and leisure activities in a safe and steady manner, and to help bring back employment. Visitors are still urged to follow the minimum health and safety standards set for historical sites and museums to prevent a possible COVID-19 outbreak.
“This good news is very timely as it coincides with our observance of Independence Day. The historical sites and museums remind us of our rich culture and history and of the heroism of those who fought for our freedom. Revisiting our past brings us closer together as a people and draws us closer to a future free of the perils and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic,” she added.
The IATF approval covers historical sites and museums in NCR Plus, which covers Metro Manila and the neighboring provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna, and which is currently under general community quarantine (GCQ) with restrictions. Museums and historical sites in other areas under GCQ and modified GCQ are already allowed to operate.
Last month, the government’s COVID-19 task force allowed the operation of outdoor tourist attractions, also on a limited capacity. (DOT) – jlo
