Palace appeals to public: Give ‘staycations’ amid COVID-19 crisis a chance

Malacañang on Monday appealed to the people to give the government’s latest policy allowing hotels to offer “staycations” a chance as the tourism industry suffered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a televised briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque defended the new policy amid concerns it may increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

“Itong pinaplano po ng DOT [Department of Tourism] ay alinsunod naman po doon sa unti-unting pagbubukas ng sektor ng turismo,” he said.

“Let’s give it a chance dahil gaya po ng ating ad campaign, puwede naman pong pag-ingatan ang buhay para po makapaghanapbuhay ang lahat.”

The staycation offers will only apply in areas under a general community quarantine.

This means that Individuals staying in the National Capital Region may take a staycation in hotels or such facilities in the region, depending on the requirements of the local government units.

Authorities will also set a limit on the number of guests allowed, with an overnight stay being the minimum staycation length.

The DOT is still laying down other guidelines for staycations.—AOL, GMA News