NCR Plus vacationers flock to Matabungkay Beach, fail to observe social distancing

Vacationers flocked to Matabungkay Beach in Lian, Batangas last weekend and failed to observe social distancing, video footage showed.

The video shared by LGBT Org. showed families swimming in the waters or relaxing on the beach, according to a report on GMA News Unang Balita on Tuesday.

Some of the vacationers were not wearing face masks.

According to the chief of Lian Police, they were not remiss in their duty.

In fact, they turned away some people who were still arriving.

The police, however, admitted they had a hard time enforcing health and safety protocols since they were just few compared to the number of vacationers who arrived at the beach.

They said they will be strict in monitoring this weekend.

The LGBT Org. said some of those at the beach whom they asked said they came from Quezon City, Pasig City, Manila and Cavite. These areas belong to the National Capital Region Plus or NCR Plus (Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna).

The government has eased COVID-related restrictions on domestic travel by allowing leisurely trips from NCR Plus to areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified GCQ regardless of age from June 1 to 15.

NCR Plus is under GCQ with restrictions and Batangas under GCQ until June 15. —KG, GMA News