This Week in Central Luzon (August 1 to 7, 2020)

After closing temporarily due to the enhanced community quarantine, tourism-related establishments in Subic are starting to reopen under the “new normal.” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma said that restaurants and other dining establishments have started to open their doors again to the public, starting with deliveries to dine-in services. Dine-in food outlets are now allowed up to 75% of their capacity since July 21, provided that they will follow social distancing, disinfection, thermal scans, and wearing of face masks.

While accommodation and food-related businesses are coming back, Subic’s well-known attraction Zoobic Safari has yet to reopen. The theme park recently launched a ‘buy one, take one’ promo for admission tickets with no expiration dates to raise funds needed in taking care of the animals. The tickets will be valid for any day in the future when the attraction finally reopens. [1]

The Department of Transportation postponed the opening of the new passenger terminal at the Clark International Airport because of the COVID-19 threat. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said that the terminal, which is 99% complete, was supposed to be operational by the middle of the year. Because of the pandemic, its opening was moved to January 2021 instead. Interior works and systems installation of the terminal will continue with strict health precautions. The terminal will double the passenger capacity at CRK to at least 8 million annually. [2]

After confirming the area’s first COVID-19 positive case, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority reminded the public to observe safety protocols strictly. SBMA Chairman Wilma Eisma announced last July 14 that two residents of SBFZ tested positive for COVID-19; both are asymptomatic and female. Six more cases were identified based on the results from the SBMA-Red Cross testing laboratory, bringing the total number of cases to 8.

In an update on social media last July 25, Eisma announced that the very first patient has already recovered and been discharged from the hospital, lowering the total number of cases to 7. She once again urged all residents and workers to further observe and practice safety measures to keep SBFZ safe for everyone. [3 & 4]

The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR test is now available for all residents of Subic Bay Freeport Zone and its neighboring communities. SBMA Chairman Wilma Eisma said that SBMA is close to finishing the testing of its frontliners and is encouraging residents and employees to get tested as well now that is is conveniently available in Subic. [5]

Go to Yoorekka for more COVID-19 updates in Subic and Central Luzon.