コロナ検査はある種のビジネスとなる側面がありますが、その高価格な検査費用が故に、セブにくる人を阻止してしまうことになります。

検査費用のコストダウンは継続的な努力が続けられていますが、現状では数千ペソ（少なくとも2,000円以上）はするため、現地の人からすると負担は大きいです。

中には、6000円以上するものもあり、これに対して高原テストは約2000円程度で済みます。

この費用負担を軽減し、旅行がもっと活発化する努力が進められています。

ワクチン接種と検査の陰性証明が両輪で上手く回らないと、旅行者も増えず経済の回復も遅れてしまうことが伺えます。

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Covid tests an ‘added burden’ on tourists

COVID-19 tests are being made into a business and their high prices are preventing tourists and other individuals from coming to Cebu, according to an official of the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC).

This as the group also lauded the move of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to push for the lowering of the high prices of Covid-19 tests, may it be reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or antigen.

The cost of Covid-19 tests in Cebu remains in the thousands of pesos in some hospitals although there are continuous efforts to lower the prices.

In one private hospital’s website, an RT-PCR costs more than P3,000 while antigen tests are priced at P960. They also have a separate rate for airline passengers.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat recently pushed for the further slashing of Covid-19 fees to encourage more travel.

Recently, the Inter-Agency Task Force implemented a No Age Restriction policy for travelers from Metro Manila traveling to tourist destinations under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) and GCQ where the local government units are open for travelers.

Source: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1910054/Cebu/Local-News/Covid-tests-an-added-burden-on-tourists