Intramuros sites to close temporarily as COVID-19 cases surge in the country

It was just last month when Intramuros started accepting visitors again for some of its sites to the delight of history buffs and those who missed the walled city.

But as the country continues to log a record number of COVID-19 cases for several days now, the Intramuros Administration announced on Monday that its sites Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, Casa Manila Museum, Plaza Roma and President’s Gallery are once again closed until further notice.

Entry to the top of the walls, a favorite hangout spot for students and tourists, is also restricted. People may only stay in other plazas inside the walled city until 6:30 p.m.

Just like during the enhanced community quarantine days last year, guards are now posted in Intramuros’ entry gates to check on the visitors’ purpose in the area. Pass-through traffic is also not allowed.

All of its gates, except Gate 3 (near Manila Cathedral) and Gate 11 (near DOLE and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila), will be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Establishments that offer board and lodging needs to coordinate with the barangay before entry is allowed in the gates.

Following Intramuros’ move, the San Agustin Museum and Cultural Centre on General Luna St., which reopened its doors to visitors just three weeks ago, announced that it will also be temporarily closing its doors to the public starting tomorrow, March 17 until April 6.

As the sites closed down once again, one can still visit them on a virtual tour, set up by the Intramuros Administration together with the Department of Tourism. Check out the virtual tours of Casa Manila, Baluarte de San Diego and Fort Santiago here: