THE Aklan Provincial Health Office (PHO) has urged tourists going to Boracay to bring extra cash, as hotel fees and other miscellaneous expenses may go up as the island prepares for the "new normal."

Dr. Cornelio Cuachon, of the Aklan PHO, said the National Inter-Agency Task Force and the Department of Tourism have mandated hotels in the island resort of Boracay to observe and implement health protocols.

"Among the health protocols include limited crowds in each hotel due to physical distancing measures, placing of footbaths, and purchasing of scanner, among others. These add up to the expenses of hotels and these could be charged to tourists wanting to enjoy Boracay," Cuachon said.

The Department of Tourism earlier announced that Boracay will be opened to tourists by June 16.

Boracay was closed to tourists last March as the government imposed lockdowns due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

"The Aklan Provincial Government is also planning to put up a molecular testing facility and these may be used for tourists coming to Boracay. To ensure Boracay remains Covid-19 free, tourists may be required to undergo testing before [they are] allowed to go to Boracay," he added. (SunStar Philippines)