WITH the increasing confirmed cases of coronavirus diseases (Covid-19) in the country, tourism activities in Kabayan, Benguet including hiking in the highest peak of Luzon were temporarily closed to the public.
As preventive measure, the park management of Mount Pulag National Park on Tuesday announced the closure of the mountain.
“In view of the rising spread of Covid-19 globally and locally, the park management is hereby closing the park today and onwards for public safety in concurrence with the Office of the Mayor, regional executive director, Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) chair and stakeholders,” the announcement reads.
The management also enjoined the public to combat the virus by observing personal hygiene, hand washing, alcohol use, sanitation, reasonable confinement to contain the spread, healthy lifestyle, avoiding crowd places, self-quarantine, and other healthy defense.
Travellers from abroad and areas infected with Covid-19 are also advised to inform the government or the municipal health officers of their travel history and for close monitoring.
Aside from Mt. Pulag, Kabayan Mayor Faustino Aquisan issued executive order 25-2020 temporary closing all tourism sites in the town starting March 11 due to the threat of the virus.
“In the interest of public health and to minimize the exposure to risk association with the Covid-19, there is a need to temporarily close not only tourism sites within the Mt. Pulag National Park but to include all tourism sites in the town,” Aquisan added.