MANILA, Philippines — In the face of concerns over rising COVID-19 cases, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco made clear yesterday that there’s no going back to lockdowns.
Despite the tourism industry being battered by the pandemic for over two years, Frasco expressed confidence in its path to full recovery.
“We simply cannot go back to lockdowns, and the President has declared the same,” she reiterated. Instead, Frasco emphasized the need for economic recovery and the restoration of what was lost while harnessing the potential of Philippine tourism.
She said the World Health Organization (WHO)’s earlier declaration of the end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency should alleviate general fears surrounding the pandemic and cited how Filipinos have become more informed in managing their health.
Wearing of masks is now optional, but individuals experiencing symptoms or in crowded areas with potential cases are encouraged to wear masks, she added.
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