Woman Cuts Quarantine to Party in Makati Tested COVID Positive
A woman who skipped quarantine protocols to party in Makati tested positive along with other people from the social event. Berjaya Hotel Makati, the accommodation in which she stayed in, is now under the hot seat as the Department of Tourism (DOT) tries to shed a light on the situation. The DOT sent a “Show Case Order” to the hotel last December 29, 2021, requesting a written explanation within 3 days as to why the hotel should not be penalized for violation of the foregoing issuances.
Woman Admits Cutting Quarantine in Makati
The woman who skipped mandatory quarantine protocols is identified as Ms. Gwyneth Anne Chua. After arriving from the US, she checked in at the Berjaya Hotel Makati on December 22, 2021. The following day, December 23, she went to a bar in Makati to party. This is confirmed by CCTV footage and witnesses from the bar. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that they have the signed affidavits from the people Ms. Chua was with, confirming that she was at the party and not at the hotel. A few people from the party have also tested positive for COVID-19.
We have the signed affidavits, pictures, CCTV, and it was proven that she was not naka-quarantine,” said Secretary Puyat.
Pagka-alam ko, umamin na naman siya that she cut quarantine. Umamin naman siya,” she added.
Berjaya Hotel Makati – Show Case Order
A Show Case Order was sent to the hotel, and ABS-CBN News posted a copy of the order on Facebook. The letter states that under the law, the hotel is liable for “intentionally providing misinformation and non-cooperation” of the people and entities over the reporting of diseases and health events that concern the public.
It has come to the attention of DOT that Ms. Gwyneth Anne Chua, a guest of Berjaya Hotel Makati, was allegedly able to leave your hotel and was seen in a bar in Poblacion, Makati on 23 December 2021 despite being under mandatory quarantine,” the DOT letter read.
In the interest of due process, you are hereby directed to submit to this Office…. a written explanation why the hotel should not be penalized for violation of the foregoing issuances,” it added.
In response, Berjaya Hotel Makati sent a letter on the same day (December 29, 2021) denying the situation. The letter reads “…we ensure that they follow strict protocols…”. Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) has criticized the recent incident and said that now is not the time to put people’s lives in danger.
As of the moment, the DOT has released a short timeline on Chua.
December 22, 2021 – Chua checked in at Berjaya Hotel
December 23, 2021 – Chua is seen at a bar (social gathering) through social media
December 27, 2021 – Test results show Chua is positive of COVID-19
December 29, 2021 – Chua is extracted from the hotel
images sources DOT letter, Berjaya Hotel letter
