MANILA, Philippines — Tourist attractions in modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) areas are required to implement visitor capacity limits to avoid overcrowding as they operate, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Based on DOT Memorandum Circular 2020-011 or the health and safety guidelines governing the operations of tourist attractions such as parks, natural sites, historical landmarks, and museums under the new normal, maximum visitor capacity at a particular period shall be established to ensure physical distancing within the premises.
“Pre-registration and allocated time slots shall be followed for controlled visitor entry into the attraction to avoid overcrowding,” the guidelines stated.
In line with this, tourist attractions shall implement guest services through digital means such as online reservations or appointments, online and mobile purchases of tickets, use of digital maps and menus, or any other contactless transactions.
“Cashless or online modes of payment using payment applications shall be utilized by the Tourist Attractions. If online payment is not possible, Tourist Attractions shall create a method for no-contact payment schemes,” the DOT said.
Under DOT administrative order 2020-009, tourist attractions in MGCQ areas are allowed to operate at a maximum of 50 percent operational capacity, subject to regulations of the LGU concerned.
In addition, individuals aged 15 years old to 65 years old, except those with comorbidities or are currently pregnant, shall be allowed to visit tourist attractions, subject to the age restrictions, if any, of the LGU where the tourist attraction is located.
Meanwhile, the guidelines emphasized that tourist attractions shall maximize the use of technology such as scanners, QR codes, etc. to facilitate seamless access of visitors at entry and exit points.
“As much as practicable, strategic and clearly designated entrance and exit points shall be provided,” the DOT said.
Tourist attractions are also required to install properly marked and controlled registration, queueing, and waiting areas to ensure physical distancing.
“In waiting areas and lounges, there shall be a distance of at least one meter between tables, seats, and seat rows. If seats are fixed, alternate seats shall be marked out,” the DOT said.
It added that control measures such as floor markers, demarcation lines, stanchions, or reminder signages shall be provided to create a logical traffic flow and avoid bottlenecks.