What is the status on Covid-19 in Palawan and how does it affect scuba diving?
Since March 15 El Nido is under "Enhanced Community Quarantine". First positive Covid-19 victims have been reported in Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan. International flights to and from Manila and Cebu are down to zero, as for now foreigners can't enter the country.
Some might say "at least you are stuck in paradise". Well yeah, El Nido is more beautiful than ever with less human impact, traffic and noise. Like most cities in the world El Nido is basically in lockdown: social distancing, only go out to get your basic supplies and a strict curfew from 8pm to 5pm limits the fun. No public transport, no travelling within the island, even our own boat can't leave, surely no diving and very few foreign visitors are left here in paradise. This is the status end of April 2020.
Leaving Palawan for any reason seems pretty much impossible now - while the Corona-Virus is spreading in Manila, Cebu and has finally been confirmed in Puerto Princesa City on April 26. So we have clearly no other choice than supporting the travel ban and the Enhanced Community Quarantine that has been implemented since mid March. Like people in all other places in the world we can only hope for a fast progress in the development of treatments and the availability of safe, efficient vaccines.
Saying so: the editor of this website does not believe that travelling the world and going scuba diving is what people worry most about these days. First everyone need to support her/his families, friends, co-workers and community by being smart, kind, patient and generous when needed. Once things find a new rhythm and balance, travelling to remote areas like Palawan might move back into our focus and we all will double-appreciate being privileged to do so. Than we can happily blow some bubbles together. Probably not this year but hopefully in 2021 - we will be here in El Nido waiting for you.
Your team
Tabanka Divers
www.tabanka-divers.com
COVID-19 UPDATES FROM THE DIVE COMMUNITY
