(CNN Philippines) Metro Manila — Only tourists will be temporarily allowed to swim on the beach of Boracay in the municipality of Malay, Aklan to control the spread of COVID-19 in the area.

Acting Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista told CNN Philippines’ New Day on Monday that residents will be temporarily barred from swimming to prevent possible transmission brought by local gatherings.

“Meron naman tayong mga safeguards. May mga pulis, meron tayong PNP (Philippine National Police) na magmonitor. Ang problema kasi during fiesta ng San Juan, karamihan ng mga tao nasa beach o rivers,” Bautista said.

[Translation: We have safeguards. There are members of the PNP who will monitor. The problem is during the feast of St. John (the Baptist), people are usually on the beach or rivers.]

“We are informing the public that the local government unit of Malay is prohibiting the celebration of San Juan in the beaches and rivers within the municipality of Malay. This is because we have been celebrating (the feast) of San Juan traditionally through gathering by the beach or rivers,” the LGU’s June 20 advisory read.

Bautista said locals can still stay on the shoreline, but gatherings will be strictly prohibited.

Governor Florencio Miraflores said in an interview on Saturday that such rule will be included in the executive order to be released soon by the Aklan provincial government. He said this policy will be in place because tourists who enter the island already present negative COVID-19 test results. So far, there are no details yet on the issuance of the order and its period of implementation.

“Tourists coming in Boracay present negative RT-PCR test result. They are not carrying any virus and the reason they come to Boracay is to experience the beautiful beach,” Miraflores said. “I will include temporary ban of swimming for Aklanon and Boracay residents in the EO”.

In a meeting by the Provincial inter-Agency Task force at Aklan Provincial Capitol last Friday, authorities also agreed to extend the implementation of stricter rules until July 6 due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in all areas of Aklan including Boracay.

Stricter rules include a liquor ban, point to point border control, extended curfew hours, and prohibition of social gatherings. Only essential workers are also allowed to go out.

Bautista said over 700 tourists enter Boracay daily.