Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa temporarily suspended operations after some of its employees tested positive for COVID-19.
Shangri-La Group said celebrity favorite luxury property Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa is not accepting guests from Jan. 22 to 28 after some of its island workers who availed themselves of the mass testing program administered by the Aklan provincial government tested positive for COVID-19.
“All affected guests will be contacted personally, and we will assist them with alternative arrangements,” it said.
The management said it will conduct further deep cleaning and disinfection of the resort, on top of the already rigorous hygiene and sanitation protocols being implemented on the property.
A report dated Jan. 23 said that the Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores ordered the closure of the property for five days. It also cited sources who said that the hotel staff “were put back to work” instead of placing them in quarantine while waiting for their test results.
Shangri-La Boracay refused to comment but said in a statement “the resort is in full compliance with the guidelines provided by the local authorities with regards to next steps.”
“After being notified of the test results, affected colleagues were all placed in self-isolation in accordance with guidelines from the authorities and we are supporting them in any way we can during this period,” it added.
Though it did not disclose the number of affected workers, Shangri-La Group said they were “asymptomatic and did not exhibit any outward symptoms or reported feeling unwell on the days they were on duty.”
“Comprehensive contact tracing has been conducted and as a precautionary measure, close contacts of the affected colleagues have also been asked to self-isolate until further notice,” it added.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the Department of Tourism (DoT) Boracay Office will ensure the safe and convenient relocation of guests to other establishments or isolation facilities should there be any close contact with affected health workers.
“All workers and guests of DoT-accredited tourism enterprises in Boracay Island are enjoined to practice responsible tourism to effectively manage the COVID situation in the area,” she said.
The Tourism chief also urged the Aklan provincial government to accelerate the testing of Boracay Island tourism workers through the funds downloaded by its marketing arm, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), last November amounting to P10 million.
“The DoT encourages the prompt treatment of affected workers and backs the temporary closure of establishments concerned for general disinfection procedures as part of the health and safety protocols,” she said.
“Warnings, suspension or closure await those who violate established rules and regulations,” she stressed.
