PNP to make random visits to quarantine hotels, facilities in Alert Level 3 areas

The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Tuesday that it will conduct random visits to business establishments and quarantine hotels in areas under Alert Level 3.

This statement followed Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año's call for the police to check quarantine hotels in the wake of supposed quarantine-skipping on the part of some individuals.

“These inspection rounds will be unannounced and shall be conducted randomly to determine which establishments are compliant with public health protocols. Let this be a warning that there is no room for complacency during this health emergency,” PNP Chief Police General Dionardo Carlos said.

A returning Filipino traveler from the United States skipped hotel quarantine last month to attend a party and visit restaurants in Poblacion, Makati.

This quarantine violator, identified by the police as Gwyneth Anne Chua, tested positive for COVID-19.

At least 11 close contacts of Chua later tested positive for the virus as well.

“We believe that police visibility will serve the purpose to monitor how the quarantine hotels are accommodating their guests who are required to isolate while waiting for the completion of the required number of quarantine days,” Carlos said.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said on Monday that they have received more reports of alleged quarantine breach in hotels even before this incident in Makati.

The PNP stressed that it is coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to investigate alleged “under-the-table connivance” between quarantine facilities and guests to make it appear that their guests follow quarantine protocol but are actually skipping quarantine.

The lone region currently under Alert Level until January 15 is Metro Manila. However, the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal will be placed under the same level from January 5 to 15, 2022, due to a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases.

Under Alert Level 3, several establishments will be allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals and 50% outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated. — BM, GMA News