We've been cooped up for so long that we went ahead and planned our weekday beach trip after reading up on this. Additional planning was need in making sure it was the safest possible experience for our family.
After making several inquiries in various websites and sources, we were told that COVID test results (from swab tests) were required before we could make a booking. Of course the resorts would want to make sure that their staff and the rest of their guests (mandated up to 50% max occupancy), so we didn't question this policy.
It did make us realize though that we did not want to mingle with other people. I went on my Airbnb App and checked out the houses available for rent.
We luckily found a beach front home in San Fernando that had all the amenities we needed (pool, hot water, AC, kitchen and beach access). They did not require any health documentation but that's because we had the place all to ourselves.
Here's what was needed though by the La Union Government from us:
1. Register at the contact tracing site of La Union.
https://napanam.launion.gov.ph/
2. Follow all the instructions and await activation. Activation may take 48 hours so try to fill it up before your trip.
3. EVERYONE (children included) are required to have a QR Pass, as generated by the app above.
4. The QR Code shall be scanned at entrances of some establishments.
5. Should you have problems having it activated, visit the NAPANAM Facebook Page and chat with them via messenger. The tech support I talked to helped me out even on a Sunday!
6. Save said QR code (download is possible or just take a screenshot) and bring a valid government ID when you use it. This replaces the need to fill up forms in entrances (even the city market has it).
7. As with everywhere else, always make sure that you are wearing your facemask when out and around the province.
GOING BACK TO BAGUIO:
When we went down to La Union, the checkpoints we passed just waved us through. It was the checkpoint (along Irisan) going up to Baguio that asked us the pertinent questions.
To avoid lingering in the police checkpoint, make sure to register in this website BEFORE leaving Baguio:
https://hdf.baguio.gov.ph/
1. Click the appropriate box to describe your current travel status ( I chose Baguio residents returning from travels outside of the city).
2. Fill up necessary data and make sure you have a valid government ID as you will have to upload a screenshot of it.
3. When done, save your QR code. Every time you re-enter Baguio, a new entry of your recent travel has to be entered. Since you already have the QR code, it's suppose to be faster and less tedious.
I'm really thankful for this quick yet long awaited R&R / mental break with the family.
We kept to ourselves the whole time and followed protocol when my kids went to the market to buy supplies.
Hope this post helps in planning your trip to La Union. Will post about our Airbnb next.
From TMW, may all your wanderings be better than ours!
