National Task Force: Baguio City a 'model' in fight vs COVID-19 | Inquirer News

National Task Force: Baguio City a ‘model’ in fight vs COVID-19

/ 09:16 PM April 08, 2020

MANILA, Philippines — The government task force against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has recognized Baguio City for its gains against COVID-19, calling the City of Pines a “model” other local government unit (LGUs) should emulate.

While Luzon—the country’s political and economic center—grapples with the novel coronavirus, no new transmission of the infectious respiratory illness have been recorded in Baguio City for over a week now.

According to retired Gen. Restituto Padilla, National Task Force COVID-19 spokesperson, this is due to the city taking steps that are in line with the government’s national action plan template against the disease that originated from Hubei, China.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Malaki po ang parte na ginagampanan ng ating mga lokal na pamahalaan dito. May isa na pong nagiging mainam na ehemplo sa ngayon, ito po ay ang Baguio City na pinamumunuan ni Mayor Benji Magalong,” Padilla said in a virtual press briefing.

FEATURED STORIES

According to the retired general, Magalong enforced transparency in communication, mass testing, and effective contact tracing in his city that led to the reduced frequency of infection.

“Lahat po ito ay sangayon sa ating National Action Plan template at ninanais po namin na sana ay maintindihan at magawa ng ating mga LGUs sa iba’t-ibang panig ng Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao,” Padilla added.

Article continues after this advertisement

To date, Baguio City has 14 confirmed COVID-19 cases, five of which have since recovered.

Article continues after this advertisement

Currently, as many as 3,870 individuals nationwide tested positive for COVID-19, while 182 died and 96 were able to recover.

Article continues after this advertisement

A vast majority of the total infection in the country were recorded in Luzon, which has been placed under lockdown until April 30, 2020.

The virus causes mild symptoms such as fever and cough for most people, but experts warned that older adults with preexisting health conditions were more vulnerable to the coronavirus, particularly those aged over 60-years-old.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.

TAGS: Baguio City, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Health, mass testing, NcoV, Outbreak, pandemic, test kits

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.