Boracay task force OKs use of saliva test for tourists

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 18) — The Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force has approved the use of COVID-19 saliva test for tourists visiting Boracay Island.

“We proposed together with the LGU Malay that the saliva test should also be considered as part of the testing protocol of the province of Aklan and LGU Malay and we are happy to report that in this meeting, the proposal for the use of the saliva test has been approved,” Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores said in a briefing on Thursday.

He noted that tests done by the Philippine Red Cross and other facilities accredited by the Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration will be honored.

An advisory will be issued regarding this to inform airlines of the immediate implementation of the new protocols, he added.

In October, Boracay reopened its doors to visitors from general community quarantine areas, but they have been required to go through strict health protocols, including obtaining a negative swab test result 48 to 72 hours before travel and pre-booking accommodation.

Since then, Miraflores said the number of visitors has increased to around 1,000 a day from only 40, who mostly come from Manila.

He added that they hope to welcome foreign tourists within the year and implement a travel bubble, especially with their top markets South Korea and China, subject to travel protocols of all parties involved.