Algal bloom was seen on the shores of the island.
Boracay Island, the country’s prized tourist spot known for its white sand beach, is currently deserted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For some positive news, the medical staff from a local hospital tested negative for the novel coronavirus. For essential travels, the local government provides free boat rides for residents. Lastly, there are still restaurants in Boracay Island open to serve without compromising the enhanced quarantine guidelines. Read on.
Cases
The results for 24 medical staff from Don Ciriaco Tirol Memorial Hospital in Boracay all came out negative according to the report given by the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC). It also included the results of the 37-year old doctor who became positive of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) last March. The patient who made contact with the doctor also had negative results, as did the person under investigation who was quarantined in Aklan Training Center. According to the Aklan Provincial Health Office, they are still waiting for the other two results from WVMC [1].
Free Boat Transportation for Residents
The Local Government Unit of Malay has provided people residing in Boracay free boat rides to Caticlan and vice versa. People allowed on the boat are those who need to purchase essentials like food and medicine in Caticlan. These are the schedule of the daily trips:
• 7:00 AM
• 10:00 AM
• 2:00 PM
• 5:00 PM
Residents need to bring one valid ID and their quarantine pass, and they must undergo check-up at the ports [2].
Pristine Waters Off-Limits; Algae Bloom as Summer Comes
Boracay’s beachfront is temporarily off-limits to residents and tourists who chose to stay on the island. Fishermen, however, are still allowed to capture fish along the shores of Boracay if the tide is low [3]. Despite the empty beach, green algae is also seen on the shore. This time, though, it is explained as an indicator of the coming of summer and not of pollution [4].
Restaurants Offering Delivery Services
As residents and tourists are strictly encouraged to stay indoors at all times, ready-to-eat food in Boracay has become available. If you are one of the people currently staying on the island and looking for something to eat during the quarantine, check out these restaurants that provide take-out and delivery services [5].
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday; 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Contact numbers: 0917 428 0047 / 0912 394 8948 / 0928 151 4420
Minimum order: PhP300 with 15% discount on all orders during this time
Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Contact numbers: 036 288 6781 / 0998 535 1709 / 0977 857 7155
Minimum order: PhP500
Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Contact number: 0905 665 2233
Delivery fee: 75 pesos (Station 1, 2 and 3) while 150 pesos for other parts of the Island
Free delivery for purchases above PhP500
Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Contact numbers: 288 4067 / 0930 829 5318
Minimum order: none
Operating hours: 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Contact numbers: 0998 954 2905 (for take-out) / 0961 166 4497 (for delivery)
Minimum order: None
Go to Yoorekka for more useful local information during this pandemic.
Sources:
[1] https://bit.ly/3cugvht
[2] https://bit.ly/2XOm2eF
[3] https://bit.ly/2Vm791x
[4] https://bit.ly/3eykqM1
[5] https://bit.ly/3cCTPfb
