"UNDER the general community quarantine (GCQ), the beach resorts are not allowed to operate in Bacolod City."
This was stressed by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran Tuesday, November 10, after some of the beach resorts in Barangay Pta. Taytay allegedly violated the guidelines under the GCQ amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Familiaran said the beach resorts, including hotels, can only operate if they have a Certification of Authority to Operate from the Department of Tourism.
"We are still under the GCQ and all resorts are still not allowed to operate unlike in other areas like in Negros Occidental, which is placed under modified GCQ and its beach resorts are already open for the tourist," he said.
He added the resort owners should be responsible and should follow the health protocols.
Familiaran noted that Barangay Pta. Taytay is one of the barangays in the city with the highest number of Covid-19 cases.
"Maybe, they were only confused since some of the beach resorts in Negros Occidental already resumed its operation, but Negros Occidental was placed under MGCQ. Let's follow the guidelines to avoid violations and we should cooperate to prevent the spread of Covid-19," Familiaran said.
Police Lieutenant Gilbert Batiles, chief of Police Station 9, said they only reprimanded the management of beach resorts in Barangay Pta. Taytay on Monday after several beach goers were seen in the area and not observing the health protocols.
He said they reminded the management of about 10 beach resorts that they are still not allowed to operate under the GCQ.
He added policemen were already assigned in the area to monitor the beach resorts.