THREE hotels have expressed interest in being designated as quarantine facilities for foreigners arriving in Cebu aboard international flights.
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said Tuesday afternoon, March 17, 2020, that these foreigners are people with no symptoms, but are just mandated to quarantine themselves for added measures and to help cushion the effects of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) on the hospitality industry.
Foreign nationals arriving in Cebu via international flights will have to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine in a designated facility at their own expense, as provided under Executive Order 5-J issued by the governor.
It will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2020.
Returning Cebuanos and holders of Permanent Resident Visas are required to undergo a 14-day home quarantine.
"It is time for our hotels to consider this as a possible business opportunity at a time when they are experiencing huge economic losses. Most of our hotels are dependent on our foreign tourist arrivals," Garcia said.
As per consultation with airport authorities, Garcia said as much as 2,000 to 3,000 passengers still arrive daily at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
These passengers are from the Middle East; Singapore; Narita, Japan; Busan and Incheon, South Korea; and Taipei, Taiwan.
Sixteen to 18 flights still arrive at the MCIA every day.
"If a hotel opens for quarantine, that's business for the next 14 days. We will just be discussing the rates. They might charge regular rates or offer discounts considering that it's a two-week stay," Garcia said.
The initial package will provide two-week's worth of breakfast and a set menu for lunch and dinner at the expense of the foreign tourist. (RTF)