Baguio City to remain vigilant vs COVID-19 amid partial reopening

Baguio City business are expected to bounce back with the decision to partially reopen the summer capital to nearby tourists this month of October. INQUIRER Baguio file photo / VINCENT CABREZA

MANILA, Philippines — Baguio City will continue to be vigilant against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) amid its partial reopening to tourists this month.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Monday said it will enforce stringent health protocols to tourists who want to go to the summer capital of the country, which include mobile registration, confirmed accommodation reservations, and a COVID-19 test before they are allowed to enter.

Likewise, Baguio City will continue to strictly observe its contact tracing program once it opens its doors to all tourists.

To date, only tourists from the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.

“’Ang pinaka-best siguro ngayon is ‘yong tinatawag nating responsible behavior,” he said in a statement.

(The best behavior is what we call a responsible behavior.)

Key government officials led by presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, National Policy Against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon, and  Angkas Co-founder and Chief  Transport Advocate George Royeca conducted an inspection of certain establishments frequented by tourists along Session Road.

Dizon said he hopes the same efforts, aimed at impeding the spread of COVID-19 in Baguio City, will be replicated in other local government units.

“I think I have seen the new normal now here in Baguio City. I arrived early dito sa Session Road at marami ng mga sasakyan, nagbebenta at namimili na ang mga tao at halos walang pinagkaiba sa dating Session Road maliban lang sa naka-face mask, face shield, at dumidistansya ang mga tao,”  he said.

(A lot of vehicles, people started buying and selling that appeared no different from the previous Session Road, except that they are wearing face mask, face shield and observing distancing.)

Royeca echoed Dizon’s remarks, saying that Baguio’s partial reopening “provides hope for other LGUs that are also hoping to open their economies soon.”

JPV