‘Staycations’ allowed but highly discouraged in GCQ bubble, says DTI exec

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Tuesday discouraged the public from going on “staycation,” even as it said that these are allowed amid the tightening of restrictions over Metro Manila and neighboring areas in the “bubble.”

Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo urged residents of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal to stay home during the Holy Week as the country grapples with a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases.

“Staycations are allowed, yes, but they are highly discouraged because we encourage everybody to stay home,” she said in a virtual forum.

“But if it can’t be avoided or it’s really needed, then that is allowed within the area… But of course, it’s our own lookout because the surge is there and COVID is real,” she added.

The Tourism Department earlier said tourism would still be allowed within the bubble even though restrictions have been heightened in a bid to combat the surge. 

Individuals younger than 18 years and older than 65 will not be allowed in tourist destinations.

“It depends on us how we will decide on it, if we still want to use other places to stay [in] or to pass the Holy Week. We should stay home if we can,” Castelo said. “If [the destination] is only within NCR, why not just stay home?”

The DTI has also temporarily closed down cinemas, arcades, driving schools, museums, and cultural centers. 

Malacañang earlier said gyms and spas in the bubble could remain open unless local governments say otherwise. The Metro Manila Council has voted to close down such establishments for the next two weeks. 

The Philippines posted a record-high 8,019 new COVID-19 cases on Monday afternoon, bringing total infections to 671,792 with 577,850 recoveries and 12,972 deaths. — RSJ, GMA News